Mayor Smiley details storm preparations ahead of weekend snowfall

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — A snowstorm forecasted for the weekend could conflict with some Super Bowl plans.

Providence Mayor Brett Smiley said the city is gearing up to make sure residents can get where they need to be for the Big Game.

“We’re also interested and hopeful that we can have the city back in shape,” Smiley said. “So that businesses relying on Super Bowl business and neighbors who want to go to Super Bowl parties can do so safely.”

Smiley said there are 57 trucks and 62 workers ready to assist in the cleanup effort, and the city also has 5,000 tons of salt stored up.

The mayor made a point to remind residents and business owners that they have 24 hours to clear their own sidewalks after the last snowfall.

“If you can make arrangements today to be off the roads for majority of the day on Sunday, it’s more likely that we’ll be able to finish the work and get everyone back and operating in time for Sunday night’s game and Monday morning’s work day and school day,” Smiley said.

To help expedite the cleanup, Smiley encouraged residents to help each other out amid the storm.

“If you know someone on your block who’s maybe older or has mobility issues, offer a helping hand, be a good neighbor here in Providence,” Smiley said. “Take those extra few minutes to shovel your neighbor’s sidewalk if you know they’re not in a condition to do it on their own.”

The city will also have a parking ban in place starting at 10 p.m. Saturday.