Governor meets with snowplow drivers, touts state’s readiness for winter storm

SMITHFIELD, R.I. — Gov. Dan McKee said Sunday morning that Rhode Island is “mobilized and ready” to respond to an approaching snowstorm.

Storm Team 10 said snow will develop from southwest to northeast before noon.

McKee held a briefing at the Rhode Island Department of Transportation’s maintenance facility in Smithfield, where he met with snowplow drivers.

The state has instituted a truck ban on state roads beginning at noon Sunday and staying in place until further notice. It applies to tractor-trailers, tankers, special permitted vehicles, RVs, box trucks, tandems and vehicles pulling trailers.

He urged all people to stay off the roads for their own safety and to give room to plow drivers to do their work.

McKee said the state’s emergency operations center was activated.

The governor said anyone in need of shelter during the storm should call 211 for options.