Winter Storm Takes Aim At RI: What To Know

A winter storm is taking aim at Southern New England, expected to drop up to a foot of snow or more across the state Wednesday night into Thursday.

A winter storm watch is in place across the entire region. As of the latest forecast, eight to 12 inches of snow are likely across much of the state, with slightly less in certain coastal areas such as Newport.

Ahead of the storm, parking bans are in place in several cities and towns, with more likely to follow Wednesday.

Parking bans:

• Charlestown: 7 p.m. Wednesday to 12 p.m. Thursday
• Johnston: 7 p.m. Wednesday to 7 p.m. Thursday
• Newport: 9 p.m. Wednesday to 5 p.m. Thursday
• North Providence: 5 p.m. Wednesday until further notice
• Smithfield: 12 p.m. Wednesday to 12 p.m. Thursday
• Woonsocket: 5 p.m. Wednesday until further notice

The American Red Cross of Rhode Island reminded residents to plan ahead before a major storm and plan to stay home and off the roads during the hours of the heaviest snowfall.

"As always, we want to remind people of the importance of being prepared in advance of a winter storm," said Jocelyn Hillard, the organization's regional communications director. "This is the first significant snowfall for our state this season. We just want to remind everyone to prepare and be safe."

Stay indoors whenever possible during a storm. Wear layers of loose-fitting, lightweight clothing to stay warm, rather than just a bulky sweater. This makes it easier to add or remove a layer to avoid getting too cold or sweating.

While snow is falling, roadways will be dangerous, with low visibility and slick conditions. Drivers who must be out on the road are encouraged to follow these tips:

• Keep a windshield scraper, small broom, small sack of sand for generating traction under wheels, a set of tire chains or traction mats, matches in a waterproof container and a brightly colored (preferably red) cloth to tie to the antenna in the car. Also carry an emergency supply kit, including warm clothing.
• Keep your vehicle’s gas tank full so you can leave right away in an emergency and to keep the fuel line from freezing.
• Make sure everyone has their seat belts on and give your full attention to the road.
• Don’t follow other vehicles too closely. Sudden stops are difficult on snowy roadways.
• Don’t use cruise control when driving in winter weather.
• Don’t pass snow plows.
• Ramps, bridges and overpasses freeze before roadways.
• If you become stranded, stay in the vehicle and wait for help. Do not leave the vehicle to search for assistance unless help is visible within 100 yards. You can quickly become disoriented and confused in blowing snow. Display a trouble sign to indicate you need help. Hang a brightly colored cloth (preferably red) on the radio antenna and raise the hood after snow stops falling.
• Run the engine occasionally to keep warm. Turn on the engine for about 10 minutes each hour (or five minutes every half hour). Running the engine for only short periods reduces the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning and conserves fuel. Use the heater while the engine is running. Keep the exhaust pipe clear of snow, and slightly open a downwind window for ventilation.
• Leave the overhead light on when the engine is running so that you can be seen.

When outside, wear plenty of layers and make sure extremities such as hands and gloves are covered. Keep your mouth covered to protect the lungs from severely cold air, and avoid taking deep breaths. Make sure clothing stays dry and change wet clothing as soon as possible to maximize insulation and reduce heat loss.

Especially in the case of large snowfall amounts, stretch before going outside to shovel. Warm up the muscles to help prevent injuries. Try to avoid overexertion, since sweating can lead to hypothermia, and the cold combined with the difficult task can cause a heart attack.

When walking on icy sidewalks, be careful.

The Rhode Island Department of Transportation is ready for this and upcoming storms, the department said, with a fleet of 178 trucks and 60,000 tons of salt at the ready. If needed, the department also has 350 additional, privately owned plows on call.

"We’re all prepped and ready to roll," said Joe Bucci, RIDOT’s state highway maintenance operations engineer. "We’ve got the tools we need and a great crew of dedicated, seasoned drivers to operate them from the first flake to the final clean up."

The department budgets about $20 million each year for storm management, and has plans in place to replenish salt supplies if needed.

RIDOT reminded Rhode Islanders who must drive during the storm not to crowd the plow, leaving plenty of distance behind trucks. Driving a safe distance behind a plow is the safest place to be when driving in a storm.