Key Highlights
- Governor Dan McKee urges Rhode Islanders to stay off roads during a Sunday snowstorm.
- A significant winter storm is expected to impact Southern New England on Sunday afternoon/evening.
- The state’s emergency operations center will be activated to monitor conditions in real-time.
- State Department of Transportation has 60,000 tons of salt available for snowplowing.
Governor McKee Urges Rhode Islanders to Stay Home During Snowstorm
In the wake of an impending winter storm, Governor Dan McKee issued a public appeal to Rhode Islanders urging them to stay off the roads on Sunday. The governor, speaking at a briefing held Saturday morning at the state’s Emergency Management Agency headquarters in Cranston, emphasized the importance of road safety and preparedness.
According to Governor McKee, “Right during the time the Patriots are playing,” he said with a reference to the upcoming NFL game. He advised residents to avoid unnecessary travel from 2 p.m. on Sunday until midnight, unless it was absolutely essential. “It’s a great day to stay home,” McKee stated.
State Emergency Preparedness
The state is taking proactive measures to ensure public safety and manage the incoming storm. Governor McKee highlighted that the Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) will be deploying more than 500 state and vendor snowplows, equipped with 60,000 tons of salt. State roads have been pre-treated to facilitate smoother operations.
State emergency management is also preparing for potential power outages. Rhode Island Energy has additional power restoration and tree crews on standby, ready to respond to any disruptions caused by the storm.
Additional Measures and Coordination
To ensure a coordinated response across state lines, Governor McKee said he was coordinating with the governors of Massachusetts and Connecticut on potential truck bans that would start and end simultaneously in all three states. This move aims to maintain traffic flow and minimize congestion during the storm.
Local law enforcement will also be bolstered, with additional Rhode Island State Police troopers on duty to monitor highways and assist drivers who may encounter difficulties due to the weather conditions.
Public Information and Assistance
Governor McKee emphasized that the state’s adverse weather policy is in effect from 3 p.m. Sunday until 10 a.m. Monday, impacting state workers’ travel.
He also provided guidance on staying safe during the storm: “The biggest thing you can do is stay home if you can and avoid unnecessary travel.” Residents were reminded to give plows room to work safely.
For those who still need to venture out, the governor suggested calling 211 for information about available shelters. Additionally, McKee’s office provided a reminder that many Rhode Islanders planned to stay indoors, with last-minute shoppers hitting stores to stock up on essentials like food and supplies.
In conclusion, Governor Dan McKee’s message to Rhode Islanders is clear: stay off the roads if possible during Sunday’s snowstorm. The state is well-prepared, but individual caution can make a significant difference in ensuring everyone’s safety during this winter weather event.