National Weather Service: Another storm looming for Saturday

HEAVY SNOW AND blizzard conditions can be seen in Providence during Juno, the storm that hit Jan. 27. / PBN FILE PHOTO/FRANK MULLIN
HEAVY SNOW AND blizzard conditions can be seen in Providence during Juno, the storm that hit Jan. 27. / PBN FILE PHOTO/FRANK MULLIN

(Updated 3:52 p.m.) PROVIDENCE – The short snow reprieve is over: The National Weather Service is forecasting another winter storm for Saturday.

The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm watch for Rhode Island and central and eastern Massachusetts from Saturday afternoon to Sunday evening, as the storm could bring another six to 10 inches of snow.

The National Weather Service, in its update Friday morning, said the storm could bring periods of heavy snow and gusty winds, as well as potential blizzard conditions across the east and southeast coastline of Massachusetts.

“Periods of heavy snow will make travel conditions slippery and lead to low visibilities. Gusty winds and blowing snow could lead to roof collapses on area roofs not cleared from previous snows,” the National Weather Service said.

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The update also said that anyone who is expecting to travel in the next 24 to 36 hours should monitor weather reports and be prepared to change their travel plans.

The R.I. Emergency Management Agency said some areas of Rhode Island may receive up to a foot of snow, and that the strong winds, combined with snow accumulations, “could create blizzard-like conditions and reduce visibility.” The agency also warned that power outages could occur as a result of the storm.

“We are New Englanders, and we will continue to do everything we can to be prepared as more winter weather comes our way, but I urge you to please take caution on the roads this weekend,” Gov. Gina M. Raimondo said.

“We are expecting potentially dangerous conditions outside, and Rhode Islanders should stay inside and off the roads if possible. Please check on your neighbors and loved ones and make sure they have everything they need to stay safe and warm,” she said.

Base temperatures will be in the teens Saturday into Sunday, and are expected to drop below zero Sunday night into Monday. Wind chill factors will cause the temperatures to fall 10 to 20 degrees below zero from Sunday into Monday.
“Rhode Islanders are urged to remain inside during periods of extreme cold,” Peter Gaynor, R.I. Emergency Management Agency director, said. “If you must venture outside during periods of severe cold weather, dress for the conditions by limiting the exposure of bare skin to the cold. Wear proper hats and gloves, cover your face and neck, and dress in warm layers.”

“Make sure that you have sufficient heating fuel as these next few days are going to be very cold. If you experience a loss of your heating source and need emergency heating, contact your local municipalities or dial 2-1-1. If your power goes out, call National Grid at (800) 465-1212. For all other emergencies, such as a house fire or an injury, dial 9-1-1,” he said.
He said house fires occur more frequently in the winter due to unattended fires, and the use of space heaters.
Emergency officials said space heaters should be at least three feet away from anything combustible, such as wallpaper, bedding and clothing, and said wet clothing should not be dried over a space heater. Smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms also should be checked to make sure they are working properly; batteries should be replaced as necessary.

National Grid will have more than 250 National Grid and contractor line crews and more than 80 tree crews available to handle the storm restoration effort in Massachusetts and Rhode Island from Saturday night through Sunday.

“While this storm doesn’t approach the intensity of Juno, we want to be certain we have the people and resources available to deal with any service issues that may arise,” Dan Bunszell, National Grid’s vice president of New England Electric Operations, said.

Sources for up-to-date storm information for residents and businesses include the following:

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