National Weather Service: Up to 12 inches of snow could fall in R.I.

(Updated 1:16 and 3:09 p.m.)
PROVIDENCE – Snow will gradually taper off tonight, making for a messy evening commute, according to the National Weather Service.
The National Weather Service is forecasting that northern Rhode Island could receive between 8 and 12 inches, while southern Rhode Island may see up to 8 inches.
Meteorologist Bill Simpson said that by mid-afternoon, the snow will start slowing and should end around 6 p.m. in the Providence area, and around 8 p.m. in Newport. A winter storm warning remains in effect until 3 p.m.
Information about the warning on the National Weather Service’s website reads: “Places that receive more than 5 inches of snow are prone to isolated power outages from downed tree limbs or wires. … Travel will be slow and difficult due to snow-covered roads and poor visibility.”
Simpson said more snow is expected early next week, but it is too soon to tell how much.
Schools around the state canceled classes in advance of the storm, including Providence. The city also instituted a parking ban at 2 a.m., which will remain in effect until further notice. All vehicles parked on the street in violation of the citywide parking ban will be ticketed and towed to ensure that roadways can be cleared, according to information from the mayor’s office.
Residents experiencing power outages should contact National Grid at (800) 322-3223, the office said. The utility is reporting 22,585 customers without power in the state as of 3 p.m.; the majority of those without power – 3,371 – are in Glocester. Garbage and recycling collection will go on in Providence as scheduled. If collection cannot be completed, remaining collections will take place Saturday. Residents are encouraged to register for the CodeRED emergency notification system by visiting: providenceri.com/PEMA/codered for alerts and updates.
The R.I. Public Transit Authority is advising riders to expect some delays on all routes due to weather conditions. RIPTA said that six routes are on detour or delayed due to winter weather conditions: 3A, 14, 27, 49, 64 and 87 are currently on detour. Information can be found on ripta.com.
Despite the snow, T.F. Green Airport in Warwick is reporting only two canceled flights – to Chicago at 6:29 a.m. and Newark, N.J., at 10:05 a.m. Three flights were showing delayed departures. A flight from Newark to Green was canceled this morning.
A press conference to celebrate a sixth consecutive record-breaking year for automobiles imported at the Port of Davisville in 2015 has been canceled due to weather. The event at Quonset Business Park in North Kingstown, which Gov. Gina M. Raimondo was expected to attend, has not been rescheduled.
Also, the Rhode Island Marine Trades Association industry breakfast today at 10 a.m. also was canceled. However, the Providence Boat Show will still open today at noon at the R.I. Convention Center.

Before Friday’s snow storm, the Providence area had recorded 7.9 inches of snow; the normal amount for this time of year is 20.5 inches, Simpson said.
An event that has not been canceled due to snow is the Misquamicut Business Association’s 11th annual Aloha Luau featuring food from local restaurants, as well as raffles and a silent auction, at 6:30 p.m. at the Venice Ballroom at 165 Shore Road. Tickets are $25 at the door.

Webster Bank closed all of its banking centers and offices in Rhode Island, Southeastern Connecticut, Southeastern Massachusetts and Greater Boston today at 2 p.m. All affected banking centers and offices are expected to open on Saturday at their regularly scheduled times.

Meanwhile, Raimondo is encouraging caution on the evening commute.

- Advertisement -

“As you prepare for the commute home, please keep in mind that our area continues to experience heavy snow and strong winds,” Raimondo said. “We are also aware of power outages across the state, and are asking for patience as crews work quickly. Stay off the roads if you can to leave room for plows and allow public safety officials to do their jobs. Remember to check on your loved ones and neighbors.”

No posts to display