Rhode Island braces for first snowstorm of the season

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — Rhode Island Gov. Dan McKee was joined by Department of Transportation Director Peter Alviti and other members of his administration Saturday afternoon for a press conference detailing Rhode Island’s storm preparedness ahead of the weekend’s storm.

McKee said that the state expects to see its heaviest snowfall overnight, with the coast expecting 1 to 3 inches, the central part of the state expecting 3 to 6 inches, and the northern part of the state expecting 6 to 9 inches.

Alviti said that RIDOT has over 400 plows that will be both plowing the snow during the storm as well as treating the roads before and after.

He added that additional crews and resources are being allocated to the Washington Bridge bypass lanes and the new Interstate 95 traffic pattern in downtown Providence.

The governor added that people should stay off the road during the storm unless they cannot avoid it, and that drivers should give plows and workers space.

He also said that the state has opened multiple warming centers and pop-up shelters for those in need.