As Storm Intensifies, RIers Urged To Stay Off The Roads

Snow fell hard and fast in Rhode Island Monday evening, with accumulation starting to pile up across the state. With visibility and road conditions only expected to get worse heading into the evening, state police urged drivers to stay home and off the roads until the storm clears.

"The best way to stay safe is to stay off the roads," said State Police Col. James M. Manni. "Conditions will deteriorate quickly and we know it will be a challenging afternoon and evening for all of us. The public can help us by staying home, but if you must go out, please be sure to allow extra time for travel."

The heavy, wet snow could bring down trees and power lines, leading to more dangerous driving conditions. Drivers or pedestrians who spot a downed line are asked to call 911. Never attempt to drive under a partially downed tree limb or power line, and always assume lines are live.

A truck ban has been in place statewide since 5 a.m. Monday, except for those carrying emergency equipment.

Drivers who must be out during the storm are reminded to use extra caution and slow down while on the road. Leave plenty of room when following a plow, and move over to allow emergency vehicles, tow trucks, plows and other essential vehicles to safely pass.

As of Monday evening, 13 Rhode Island Public Transit Authority bus routes were detoured due to the storm. Riders can check the latest service updates on the department's alerts page.

To allow crews to effectively clear the roads, the Rhode Island Department of Motor Vehicles canceled all road tests scheduled for Tuesday. Anyone with a test scheduled will be contacted by the department. The DMV's satellite offices in Woonsocket and Wakefield closed early Monday, and all road tests were canceled.

In a video message to residents, Gov. Gina Raimondo asked Rhode Islanders to stay home as much as possible, and check on loved ones.

"Please stay home or leave work early if you can," Raimondo said. "We're closely monitoring the storm and we're fully prepared."

As of Monday evening, power outages were minimal in Rhode Island, with only a few hundred reported statewide. Nearly all reported outages were in Washington County, which had about 680 households in the dark at 5 p.m. The latest outage information is available on National Grid's website.

Here's a look at the latest forecast update from The National Weather Service.

Monday evening

Snow showers. The snow could be heavy at times. High near 33. Breezy, with a northeast wind around 23 mph, with gusts as high as 39 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100 percent. Total daytime snow accumulation of 3 to 5 inches possible.

Monday Night

Snow showers, mainly before 2 a.m. The snow could be heavy at times. Low around 33. Breezy, with a north wind 18 to 24 mph, with gusts as high as 39 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100 percent. Little or no snow accumulation expected.

Tuesday
Rain and snow showers likely before 1pm, then a chance of rain or freezing rain between 1pm and 4 p.m., then a chance of freezing rain after 4 p.m. Cloudy, with a high near 37. North wind 15 to 17 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60 percent. Little or no snow accumulation expected.

Tuesday Night
A chance of snow showers, freezing rain, and sleet before 8 p.m., then a chance of snow showers. Cloudy, with a low around 28. North wind 8 to 14 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30 percent. Little or no snow and sleet accumulation expected.

Wednesday
A slight chance of snow showers before 10 a.m., then a slight chance of snow between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Cloudy, with a high near 35. Northwest wind 7 to 9 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20 percent.

Wednesday Night
Mostly cloudy, with a low around 26. Northwest wind around 6 mph.