Governor McKee Updates Rhode Islanders on State Preparations for Winter Storm
PROVIDENCE, RI – Governor Dan McKee today outlined the preparations and resources his administration has mobilized in advance of the upcoming winter storm, which is expected to bring blizzard conditions throughout the state. The National Weather Service has issued a blizzard warning for Rhode Island beginning on Sunday, February 22, at 4:00 p.m.
“With blizzard conditions on the way, we’re asking all Rhode Islanders to take the time to prepare now so you can stay off the roads during the storm,” said Governor McKee. “This is an all-hands-on-deck response. Our crews and equipment are ready to clear the roads and keep our communities safe. We will continue to keep Rhode Islanders updated every step of the way.”
The Governor and members of his cabinet will hold a storm briefing on Sunday, February 22, at 1:45 p.m. at the RIDOT Maintenance Facility at 360 Lincoln Ave. in Warwick.
McKee Administration preparations:
The Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) has approximately 500 state and vendor plows and 60,000 tons of salt available. Roads have been thoroughly pretreated.
All emergency pop-up sites for individuals seeking refuge from the storm will be activated. The following emergency pop-up sites operated by the R.I. Council of Churches will be open on February 22, February 23, and February 24 from 7:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. To access a site listed below, individuals should first go to Matthewson Street Church.
Matthewson Street Church – 134 Matthewson St., Providence
Community Church of Providence – 372 Wayland Ave., Providence
Open Table of Christ – 1520 Broad St., Providence
A fourth emergency pop-up site, operated by the Town of West Warwick, will be open on February 22 from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 a.m. To access this site, individuals can go directly to the address below.
West Warwick Civic Center – 100 Factory St., West Warwick
These emergency pop-up sites are opening in addition to seasonal emergency shelters, overnight warming centers, daytime resource and warming centers, and year-round shelters, all available to help Rhode Islanders remain safe and warm during the storm. For a full list of resources and locations, visit https://housing.ri.gov/resources/individuals-experiencing-homelessness.
Rhode Island Emergency Management Agency is monitoring storm activities throughout the weekend and will remain in close communication with local emergency management departments to ensure communities have the necessary support in place. Find a list of local warming centers here.
With high winds expected to cause power outages, Rhode Island Energy has brought in additional crews to support power restoration. At this time, they have 200 line crews with 80 forestry crews ready to respond. They will continue to monitor conditions and evaluate these resources.
The Office of Energy Resources is in close contact with Rhode Island Energy, Clear River Electric & Water District, Block Island Utility District, and the state’s delivered fuel terminals to monitor the storm’s impact on power and fuel supplies across the state.
Rhode Island State Police has called in extra troopers who will be monitoring the highways and assisting motorists.
