Governor McKee Announces Tractor-Trailer Travel Ban, State Government Closure Ahead of Tuesday Storm
Governor Strongly Urges Rhode Islanders to Stay off the Roads During Snowstorm
PROVIDENCE, RI – Ahead of tomorrow’s winter storm, Governor Dan McKee today signed an executive order implementing a tractor-trailer travel ban and closing State government on Tuesday. The Governor is also strongly urging Rhode Islanders to stay off the roads, especially between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. on Tuesday.
“We are strongly urging Rhode Islanders to stay off the roads during the snowstorm tomorrow to allow the plows to do their job,” said Governor Dan McKee. “We are encouraging businesses and employers to give their employees as much flexibility as possible.”
From midnight until further notice, tractor-trailers will be prohibited on all interstate highways and state roads. This travel restriction was made in close coordination with Massachusetts, Connecticut, and New York.
The latest models predict that light snow will begin between 4 a.m. and 8 a.m. on Tuesday, with the heaviest snowfall occurring between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. on Tuesday. We are expecting snowfall totals to range from 3 to 14 inches across various parts of the state.
Earlier today, Governor McKee convened his cabinet to coordinate the state’s storm response. Here is how Rhode Island is preparing:
- The Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) will have plow crews reporting for duty three hours ahead of the expected storm start time to pre-treat roads. RIDOT has 450 plows available for the storm, an increase in resources from previous winter seasons. RIDOT is fully stocked with 60,000 tons of salt. There will also be extra tow trucks on standby to quickly clear any potential disabled vehicles in the Washington Bridge bypass lanes.
- The Office of Energy Resources is in contact with Rhode Island Energy (RIE) and the state’s delivered fuel terminals to closely monitor the storm’s impact on power and fuel supplies across the state. RIE is adding 75 external line crews on top of their 50 internal line crews to support swift power restoration efforts. RIE is also bringing in more than 80 forestry teams to help with downed trees and other vegetation. RIE will open its storm room at 6:00 a.m. on Tuesday morning.
- Rhode Island Emergency Management Agency (RIEMA) is in communication with local emergency management agencies across the state to ensure communities have the necessary support in place. RIEMA will coordinate situational updates to state government, municipalities, and other partners throughout the storm. RIEMA’s list of local warming centers can be found at RIEMA.RI.GOV.
- The Department of Housing is activating its emergency pop-up shelters that will be open to Rhode Islanders in need. These locations are in addition to the state’s existing shelter network. Details can be found at RIEMA.RI.GOV.
- Newport: MLK Community Center, 20 Dr. Marcus Wheatland Blvd, Newport, RI 02840
- Peace Dale (South Kingstown): Welcome House, 8 North Rd, Peace Dale, RI 02879
- Providence: Crossroads RI Community Room, 160 Broad St, Providence, RI 02903
- Westerly: WARM Center, 56 Spruce St, Westerly, RI 02891
- West Warwick: West Warwick Civic Center, 100 Factory St, West Warwick, RI 02893
- Woonsocket: 55 Cummings Way, Woonsocket, RI 02895
Rhode Island State Police is prepared with additional troopers across the state ready to assist motorists wherever needed.
