Snow, sleet, freezing rain to pummel Rhode Island through Thursday

ONE CITIZENS PLAZA in Providence on Feb. 1. A two-part snow storm is expected to affect the morning commutes on Tuesday and Wednesday. /
ONE CITIZENS PLAZA in Providence on Feb. 1. A two-part snow storm is expected to affect the morning commutes on Tuesday and Wednesday. /

(Updated, 12:20 p.m.)
PROVIDENCE – It’ll be a cocktail of snow, sleet and freezing rain in a two-part snow storm anticipated to last until 1 a.m. Thursday morning.
“A two-part significant winter storm will affect the region today and then again very late tonight and Wednesday,” said the National Weather Service in its winter storm warning in effect until 1 a.m. Thursday for northern Connecticut and northern Rhode Island.
Snow accumulations are estimated at 4 to 8 inches with an additional 2 to 6 inches expected late Tuesday night and Wednesday. The weather service also warned of the potential for one-tenth to one-quarter inch of ice Wednesday afternoon.
Snow will continue from 6 a.m. Tuesday throughout the day; precipitation is expected to take a “brief break” sometime this evening to be followed by more snow and sleet late Tuesday. Rhode Islanders can expect the snow to turn into sleet and freezing rain by late Wednesday morning.
By Wednesday evening, the mixed precipitation should change into light snow.
The National Weather Service warned that the storm will impact both the Tuesday and Wednesday morning rush hour commutes with moderate to heavy snow or sleet. And the R.I. Emergency Management Agency urged commuters to slow down.
“Snow accumulation during the day will result in a moderate to major effect on the evening commute. Please be aware that winter weather warrants slower driving speeds,” the agency said in a news release Monday.
The agency also reminded residents that roof collapses continue to be of high concern.
Parking bans have already been announced for many Rhode Island communities, including Providence (from noon to 8 p.m. Tuesday), Cranston (6 a.m. Tuesday to midnight Wednesday), West Warwick (6 a.m. until further notice) and Westerly (as of noon Tuesday).
For a full list of the parking bans, go to the turnto10.com closings and delays page.
The Rhode Island Department of Transportation had one incident report on its Traffic Management Center as of 9:30 a.m. involving vehicle rollover on Route 4 near Exit 6. For updates, click here.
Some flights at T.F. Green Airport have been canceled, however, the airport will remain open throughout the storm, a spokeswoman said.
Click here to check your flight status.
The City of Providence is asking residents and business owners to clear snow and ice from obstructed fire hydrants on their streets.

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