Storm Center: Monday, February 11, 2013

6 a.m. – Hey folks, as the dek for this story implies, I really hope this is the last day of storm coverage that I’ll have to do. Right at the top of this, I’d like to thank many of you for your kind words about our coverage – They’re definitely appreciated, and in return, I thank you for the uploads to our photo gallery!

However, before I turn completely into Sally Field, let’s get on to the news stuff. As usual, for a full list of cancellations and delays in other towns, click here for the RI Broadcasters Network list.

• Significant rain is in the forecast today! While this will help with plowing and snow removal, it could also lead to flooding and roof damage. If you can do so safely, please do your best to clean drains clear of blockage, and try to remove some snow from your roof before it is loaded down with rain. Ice and slick roads are possible, and a winter weather advisory is in effect.
• According to National Grid, there are only 850 outages statewide, with 20,081 customers affected as of 5:43 a.m. Of course, 15,000 of these customers are in Washington County though. South Kingstown remains the hardest hit, with 4,465 without power, while about 2,293 are without in Narragansett. Other nearby towns: 2,859 in Charlestown, 124 in Exeter, 1,502 in Hopkinton, 2,194 in North Kingstown, 1,024 in Richmond and 1,293 in Westerly.
• Again, to repeat the consistent message from National Grid – Everyone should have power back by 11:45 p.m. Monday. Personally, my parents in Charlestown got power back around 11 p.m. Sunday, so there are crews out there working. Please realize that some reconnection jobs do require some delicate work and/or finesse, so it doesn’t matter if five or 500 workers are on the problem, it’s still going to take a significant amount of time, unfortunately.
• Another reminder – All local schools are off today. This includes the Narragansett, South Kingstown, Chariho, Westerly, North Kingstown and East Greenwich districts, all of the private and catholic schools in the area, and colleges like URI, RIC and Salve.
• The Cane Child Development Center is closed Monday because of a lack of power.
• The parking ban in South Kingstown has finally been lifted as of 5:45 a.m.
• The South Kingstown Senior Service Center and Adult Day Service Center are closed Monday.
• The South Kingstown Public Library is closed Monday. (There are / were a lot of down power lines in this general area, unfortunately.)
• Activities at St. Francis of Assisi in Wakefield are cancelled for Monday.

That’s all for now! I will update this story as needed throughout the day.

PREVIOUS STORM COVERAGE

• (refers to Monday classes)
• [VIDEO] Tree Crashes Through Roof in Somerset
• National Grid Responding to Blizzard of 2013
• Widespread Power Outages in Washington County
• 2 to 3 Feet of Snow Now Projected
• Storm Center: Friday, February 8, 2013
• (spoiler alert: they cancelled too!)
• Blizzard Watch Now In Effect for Friday Morning
• Post Your ’78 Blizzard Pics Here!
• Early Warning – Snowstorm Forecast for Friday Night