Weather
Freezing Rain Cause Slippery Conditions, Crashes Across RI
Saturday night's snow turned to rain early Sunday morning, leading to slick conditions across the state.
Saturday night's winter storm has led to slippery driving conditions across the state, and an overnight freeze is expected to cause continued driving impacts Monday.
The Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) has reported crashes throughout the day on roadways throughout the state, including at least 10 vehicle spin-outs reported on RIDOT's official Twitter page.
We’re expecting temperatures to drop below freezing across the state from north to south as we go through the afternoon, which will create slick roads. Reduce your speed or avoid travel if you don’t need to be out.
— RIDOT (@RIDOTNews) January 20, 2019
We’ll be out in full force tonight with crews staying on through the weekend to clear and treat the roads as we transition from snow to rain, followed with very cold temps Sunday night. Reduce your speed and plan extra travel time if you have to be out.
— RIDOT (@RIDOTNews) January 19, 2019
With temperatures expected to continue to fall throughout the evening an overnight hours, RIDOT officials are encouraging drivers to stay off of roads if possible.
Find out what's happening in Cranstonfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Check out AAA's Winter Safe Driving Tips
According to a sergeant with the Rhode Island State Police, state troopers have responded to an increased number of crashes throughout the day Sunday, though exact numbers were unavailable.
Route 37 in Cranston was briefly shut down during the afternoon after the highway froze over and caused several crashes. It was reopened just before 6 p.m., though Cranston Mayor Allan Fung urged residents to use caution when driving, especially on bridges, which tend to freeze over more easily than the rest of the road.
Find out what's happening in Cranstonfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
So far, power outages across the state have not been widespread. As of 7 p.m. Sunday, approximately 760 National Grid customers in Rhode Island were reported to be without power across several communities in the northern part of the state.
Photo Credit: Rachel Nunes, Patch
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