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Gov. Dan McKee’s office says the state is prepared for the impact of the winter storm coming through the Northeast region this weekend.
The Rhode Island Department of Transportation, or RIDOT, has 200 state trucks and over 250 vendor trucks available to respond, McKee’s office said in a news release sent out Saturday. RIDOT has 50,000 tons of salt ready to use on roadways that have already been pre-treated.
The state’s Office of Energy Resources is in contact with utility Rhode Island Energy and the state’s delivered fuel terminals to keep an eye on the impact of the storm. Rhode Island Energy will have additional utility crews available.
Additional Rhode Island State Police troopers have also been called in to monitor highways and assist motorists when necessary.
“Rhode Island is fully prepared to respond to the upcoming storm and keep residents safe,” McKee said in a prepared statement. “We have all necessary resources in place and remain in contact with local communities. I urge all Rhode Islanders to prepare now and use extreme caution during the snowfall.”
The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm warning for northern and southern Rhode Island in effect until 1 p.m. Sunday. The warning extends to parts of northern Connecticut, and central, eastern, northeastern, southeastern, and western Massachusetts. A winter storm advisory is in effect on Block Island.
The weather service expects heavy snow with accumulation totals between 5 and 9 inches across the area covered by the warning. Travel conditions are expected to be difficult, with the heaviest amounts of snowfall coming overnight Saturday and into Sunday morning, and snowfall rates of 1 to 2 inches per hour at times.
According to McKee’s office, the following emergency winter hubs have been activated through the Rhode Island Department of Housing’s Municipal Homelessness Support Initiative to provide more overnight capacity on a drop-in basis:
- West Warwick: West Warwick Convention Center, 100 Factory Street – Opening Saturday, February 8 at 4:30 p.m. until 10 a.m. on Tuesday, February 11
- Westerly: WARM Center, 56 Spruce Street – Open 24 hours for the winter months
- Woonsocket: 356 Clinton Street – Open 24 hours for the winter months
The following existing overnight shelter locations are also expanding on a drop-in basis for people in need:
- Crossroads Rhode Island: 162 Broad Street, Providence
- Emmanuel House: 239 Public Street, Providence – Open 24 hours
- Welcome House of South County: 8 North Road, Peace Dale (South Kingstown) – Open 24 hours
- OpenDoors: 1139 Main Street, Pawtucket – Open 24 hours
A list of local warming centers can be found here.
The Rhode Island Department of Health recommends people check in on older family, friends and neighbors, and advises people not to overexert while shoveling snow.
“Don’t pick up too much snow at once. Instead of throwing the snow, try to push it in the direction you want,” the release from McKee’s office advised. “This helps protect your back. Listen to your body — if you feel tired or feel tightness in your chest, stop shoveling.”
The RIDOH says people who have a history of heart trouble should talk with their doctor to make sure it’s safe for them to be shoveling.
To prevent slips and falls, the department advises that people de-ice sidewalks, driveways and well traveled areas outside their homes.
