The National Weather Service has issued a blizzard warning starting Sunday afternoon, lasting through Monday and into Tuesday for all of Rhode Island and southeastern Massachusetts.
“Whiteout conditions are expected and will make travel treacherous and potentially life-threatening,” the NWS forecast just after noon on Saturday.
Forecasters say to expect 1-2 feet of snow and wind gusts as high as 60 mph.
The blizzard warning is in effect 4 p.m. Sunday to 7 a.m on Tuesday.
Rhode Island Gov. Dan McKee said the Rhode Island Department of Transportation is preparing roughly 500 plows to battle the storm.
“With blizzard conditions on the way,” McKee said in a press release, “we're asking all Rhode Islanders to take the time to prepare now so you can stay off the roads during the storm.”
Power outages are a major concern, the NWS said, thanks to strong winds and expected heavy, wet snow.
The utility Rhode Island Energy said it has more than 330 people to deploy as part of the company's emergency response operations and preparedness activities.
The American Red Cross suggests preparing for a blizzard by collecting at least one gallon of drinking water per person per day, and to consider packing emergency supplies, like a blanket and boots, in the car.
Communities across Rhode Island have opened warming centers. The Rhode Island Emergency Management Agency maintains a full list of those locations. The 2-1-1 help line, operated by the United Way of Rhode Island, can also connect people to services.
The Rhode Island Council of Churches plans to open three pop-up emergency shelters in Providence. To access these shelters, McKee asked that people visit the Matthewson Street Church at 134 Matthewson St. in Providence.
West Warwick plans to open an emergency shelter overnight Sunday at its town Civic Center at 100 Factory St. in West Warwick.
“Travel should be restricted to emergencies only,” the NWS said. “If you must travel, have a winter survival kit with you. If you get stranded, stay with your vehicle.”
