News Summary
A major snowstorm has hit Rhode Island, bringing significant snowfall of up to 5.6 inches in some areas. The storm, which began Saturday night, created hazardous driving conditions across the state, prompting warnings from the National Weather Service. As snowfall totals surpassed initial predictions, residents are advised to exercise caution and prepare for ongoing winter weather challenges.
Providence, Rhode Island – A major snowstorm engulfed Rhode Island over the weekend, resulting in snowfall accumulations of up to 5.6 inches in some areas. The snow began falling Saturday night and continued into Sunday morning, creating hazardous conditions for drivers and complicating weekend plans for residents across the state.
The National Weather Service (NWS) had initially predicted that Rhode Island would receive between 5 to 8 inches of snow, with conditions expected to worsen throughout the day. A Winter Storm Watch was issued for all of Rhode Island, excluding Block Island, effective until 4 p.m. on Sunday. This warning indicated the potential for heavy snow to impact the region significantly.
Reports from various counties around Providence showed significant snowfall, with Newport County measuring up to 4.5 inches. Bristol County recorded snowfall totals of 4.6 inches, while Kent County similarly reported 4.5 inches of snow. Washington County experienced the worst conditions, with residents facing totals as high as 5.6 inches.
Initially, forecasts had suggested lighter snowfall amounts of 1 to 4 inches, particularly near the coast. As the storm approached, expectations changed, leading to revised projections of 4 to 7 inches of accumulation. Some reports even suggested the potential for higher totals, estimating between 6 to 9 inches across different areas of Rhode Island and parts of southern New England.
The blizzard’s impact is felt beyond just snow accumulation. Expected travel conditions plunged into the realm of dangerous, with officials warning drivers about the challenges presented by snow-covered roads. The NWS cautioned that travel may become very difficult due to rapidly accumulating snow and reduced visibility.
This significant winter weather event follows a weather pattern that has seen mixed conditions in the region recently. Rhode Island has experienced fluctuating temperatures and varied precipitation, making this storm a stark reminder of winter’s presence. While Block Island remained free from the Winter Storm Watch, all other counties faced imminent conditions with the potential to disrupt transportation and daily activities grappling with snowfall and icy surfaces.
The snowstorm serves as a timely reminder for residents to prepare for winter weather by considering travel plans and ensuring safety precautions are in place. Community advisory services encourage individuals to stay informed through official weather updates and alerts during severe weather events.
As the storm continues to unfold, attention will be focused on both real-time weather updates and the aftermath of cleanup efforts set to begin once the snow subsides. The critical information released by the NWS underlines the importance of being aware of conditions in both urban centers and rural areas, as snowfall varied considerably across the state, emphasizing the need for vigilance even in less affected regions.
Residents are advised to exercise caution, both on the road and at home, as additional precipitation may add to current totals, further complicating conditions throughout the day.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Winter Storm Watch Issued for Southern New England
Winter Storm Watch Issued for Rhode Island and Surrounding Areas
Rhode Island Braces for Major Snowstorm This Weekend
Hot and Humid Weather Predicted for Providence
Additional Resources
- What’s Up Newp
- Wikipedia: Snowstorm
- Patch – RI Weather Forecast
- Google Search: Rhode Island weather
- Providence Journal – Snow Totals
- Google Scholar: Winter weather impact
- Patch – Weekly Weather Forecast
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Winter weather
- Providence Journal – February Snow Totals
- Google News: Rhode Island snowstorm
Author: STAFF HERE PROVIDENCE WRITER
PROVIDENCE STAFF WRITER The PROVIDENCE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREProvidence.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Providence, Providence County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as WaterFire, Rhode Island International Film Festival, and Rhode Island Comic Con. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce and Providence Warwick Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in finance and manufacturing that power the local economy such as Citizens Financial Group and Textron. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Rhode Island's dynamic landscape.
