PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) – State officials announced a partial travel ban on Monday ahead of Tuesday's impending winter storm.
Gov. Dan McKee has imposed a ban on tractor-trailer traffic in Rhodes. The island urged residents to stay off roads during the storm.
“I urge Rhode Islanders to stay off the roads during tomorrow's snow storm so snowplows can do their jobs,” McKee said. “We encourage businesses and employers to give their employees as much flexibility as possible.”
All interstates and state highways will be closed to tractor-trailers from midnight until further notice, officials said.
McKee also announced a state government shutdown on Tuesday after convening a Cabinet meeting to coordinate the state's storm response.
The Governor outlined upcoming plans for how Rhode Island is preparing.
- The Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) will have snow removal crews on the job three hours before the expected start of the storm to pre-treat roads. RIDOT has 450 plows ready for the storm, which is an increase in resources from previous winters. RIDOT has 60,000 tons of salt fully stocked. Additionally, additional tow trucks will be on standby to quickly remove potentially disabled vehicles from the Washington Bridge bypass lanes.
- The Department of Energy Resources is in contact with Rhode Island Energy (RIE) and the fuel terminals that serve the state and is closely monitoring the storm's impact on power and fuel supplies across the state. RIE will add 75 external line personnel in addition to 50 internal line personnel to support rapid power restoration efforts. RIE is also convening more than 80 forestry teams to help deal with fallen trees and other vegetation. RIE will open the Storm Room on Tuesday mornings at 6am.
- The Rhode Island Emergency Management Agency (RIEMA) is in contact with local emergency management agencies across the state to ensure communities receive the assistance they need. RIEMA coordinates status updates to state and local governments and other partners throughout the storm. A list of RIEMA's Regional Warming Centers can be found at RIEMA.RI.GOV.
- The Department of Housing is activating emergency pop-up shelters open to Rhode Islanders in need. These locations are in addition to the state's existing shelter network. For more information, please visit RIEMA.RI.GOV.
- The Rhode Island State Police has added troopers across the state ready to assist motorists as needed.
McKee also shared plans to provide additional resources to the Washington Bridge ahead of Tuesday's storm.
State officials say sand is stockpiled across Rhode Island (WLNE)
