In anticipation of the winter storm expected to hit tomorrow, Gov. Dan McKee signed an executive order Tuesday banning tractor-trailers and shutting down state government. The Governor also strongly advises Rhode Islanders to avoid travel, especially on Tuesdays from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
“I urge Rhode Islanders to stay off the roads during tomorrow's snowstorm so snow plows can get to work,” Governor Dan McKee said in a statement. “We encourage businesses and employers to give their employees as much flexibility as possible.”
From midnight until further notice, all interstates and state highways will be closed to tractor-trailers. This travel restriction is closely coordinated with neighboring states such as Massachusetts, Connecticut, and New York.
Light snow is expected to start falling between 4 a.m. and 8 a.m. Tuesday, with the heaviest snow expected between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m., according to the weather forecast. Snow amounts are estimated to range from 3 inches to 14 inches in various parts of the state.
Governor McKee today convened his cabinet to coordinate the state's storm response and outlined the following preparations:
- The Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) plans to send out snow removal crews to pre-treat roads three hours before the expected start of the storm. RIDOT has increased resources, making available 450 plows and fully stocking 60,000 tons of salt. Additional tow trucks are on standby to quickly remove disabled vehicles from Washington Bridge bypass lanes.
- The Department of Energy Resources is in close contact with Rhode Island Energy (RIE) and the fuel terminals that serve the state to monitor the storm's impact on power and fuel supplies. RIE is ramping up efforts with 75 outside line workers and 80 forestry teams to quickly restore power and assist with fallen trees.
- The Rhode Island Emergency Management Agency (RIEMA) is working with local emergency management agencies to ensure communities receive the assistance they need. RIEMA provides state and local governments and other partners with status updates throughout the storm. A list of local warming centers can be found at RIEMA.RI.GOV.
- The Ministry of Housing is activating emergency pop-up shelters in addition to the existing shelter network. More information can be found at RIEMA.RI.GOV, including locations in Newport, Peace Dale (South Kingstown), Providence, Westerly, West Warwick, and Woonsocket.
- The Rhode Island State Police is prepared to deploy additional troopers across the state to assist motorists as needed.
We encourage all residents to keep up-to-date with official channels and adhere to safety measures during this winter weather event.
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