Mayor Elorza; Providence Police Chief issue storm warning

Chief Clements: "At all costs stay off the road, stay home, and look out for your neighbors."

PROVIDENCE, RI (WLNE) – Mayor of Providence Jorge Elorza and Chief of Police Hugh Clements held a joint press conference alongside the Providence Emergency Management Agency, warning residents to stay home “at all costs” ahead of the winter storm. “We cannot deliver this message more strongly: please stay off the road,” encouraged Chief Clements.

“We can’t guarantee that every street will be passable,” warned Elorza during the conference. “I think the most important thing for every resident in the city is to please stay home for all of Saturday.” While a travel ban has not yet been enforced, Mayor Elorza did confirm that it is “under consideration.”

A parking ban has been enforced, effective as of 2 a.m. Sunday morning. Chief Clements confirmed ticketing will be enforced, at approximately $120 per ticket.

The City of Providence does not currently offer free alternatives to street parking. Mayor Elorza praised residents on their ability to “find creative solutions to parking” during inclement weather.

A total of 110 drivers, both public and privately contracted, are expected to treat roadways throughout the city over the weekend. Mayor Elorza says drivers are already getting to work and will continue to do so around the clock with a goal of having streets cleared by the next morning – yet acknowledging heavy snow can be unpredictable. “It is very likely that the cleanup for this storm is going to spill onto Sunday and throughout the day, says Elorza.

“All wheels are churning,” says Chief Clements. “This storm is the real deal.”