Rhode Islanders prepping for winter a bit early this year

November 14, 2018 4:11 pm

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) – There’s still a month until the official start to winter but it certainly feels like it outside. With snow on the way tomorrow, Rhode Islanders are prepping for the winter season a bit early this year.

It’s not quite time for snow shovels or window scrapers but a heavier jacket is definitely a must.

“Well it seems we went from one extreme to the other. It was warm a few days ago and drastic change now. It’s going to get colder tonight and then the snow,” says Christine Bryant of North Kingstown.

The cooler temperatures were certainly a shock to some, gusty winds making it feel bitterly cold this afternoon.

“I have on pants and a thermal, a jacket and a sweater, it’s crazy cold,” says Albert Martinez of Providence.

“I got pants on pants. It’s January weather,” says Tori Flynn of Lincoln.

Colder weather means winter activities like ice skating. Preps are underway on the ice rink downtown. The Alex and Ani Center usually opens around thanksgiving and officials say they are on track to do that this season.

In Providence we typically see about an inch of snow in November. But Rhode Islanders seem to be in denial.

“I hate this cold weather. And then I heard it snowed this morning and that’s even worse,” says Jeannette Eddinger of Pawtucket.

But then again Rhode Islanders are used to fickle New England winter. For some that means sticking to routine and drinking iced coffee year round.

“I had to wear my mittens most of the time when I was drinking it,” says Kylie Murphy of North Providence.

State police are reminding drivers to take it slow when the roads are slippery and RIDOT officials say they’re fully prepared for whatever Mother Nature brings.