Weather
Accidents Snarl Roads, Some Employers Ignore Governor's Plea
Accidents reported up and down the highways, as 'bomb cyclone' unloads on Rhode Island.
MIDDLETOWN, RI — Buying a can of paint in the nor'easter? A reader told Patch a Middletown store opted to ignore the governor's plea to stay off the roads and required his employees to report for work.
"I pray that the employees get home safely," Melanie Henderson said.
Gov. Gina Raimondo asked people to stay off the roads and, if possible, work from home. But she opted not to declare a state of emergency. State offices were closed Thursday. On Friday, state employees will have the option of taking a vacation day under the adverse weather policy.
Find out what's happening in Middletownfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Accidents were reported Jan. 4 in Coventry at Tiogue and Arnold roads, as well as on the highways in Lincoln, Smithfield and Richmond.
Rhode Island State Police said "Troopers have responded to 143 calls for service and investigated 7 minor crashes. In addition, Troopers have assisted 104 vehicles off the roadway and have towed 18 vehicles since 6 a.m."
Find out what's happening in Middletownfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Stay off the roads please. We are handling a Motor Vehicle Accident at Tiogue and Arnold Road currently. https://t.co/w1Q1drBw2Q
— Coventry RI Police Dept. (@Coventry_RI_PD) January 4, 2018
Crash cleared on I-295 NB at Exit 12A (US 44 East - Centerdale) in Smithfield
— RIDOT (@RIDOTNews) January 4, 2018
Vehicle Spinout, Right lane blocked on I-295 NB at Exit 18A (Rte. 146 South - Lincoln) in Lincoln
— RIDOT (@RIDOTNews) January 4, 2018
All Travel Lanes blocked on I-95 NB at Exit 4 (RI-3 to RI-165 - Arcadia/Exeter) in Richmond
— RIDOT (@RIDOTNews) January 4, 2018
This is Route 195 W. visibility to say the least is poor pic.twitter.com/NvZCJ0mZGW
— Johnny Villella (@JohnnyVillella) January 4, 2018
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