State Police Urge Motorists to Avoid Travel During Thursday Snowstorm

UPDATE Feb. 9, 3:28 p.m.: The southbound lanes of I-95 are closed approaching Exit 7 due to tractor-trailer trucks that became stuck and are blocking the road. This is in addition to a closure on I-95 South between Exits 2 and 3, because of similar traffic problems.

“Traffic is at standstill approaching Exit 7, on the Coventry/West Greenwich line,” said Lt. Colonel Kevin Barry. “We’re trying to clear the trucks, but the road is impassable at this time.”

UPDATE Feb. 9, 2:37 p.m.:  Rhode Island State Police have closed the southbound lanes of I-95  between Exits 2 and 3, between Richmond and Hopkinton, as numerous tractor-trailers have failed to navigate the slippery incline there.

State Police advised motorists  to avoid that stretch of I-95 until all lanes can be cleared, and to avoid travel in general during the storm.

“We had to close that section of the highway because several tractor-trailer trucks became stuck while trying to navigate an incline on that stretch of road,” said Lieutenant Colonel Kevin Barry. “Traffic had been diverted onto Route 3 south, to avoid that stretch of highway, but there now are numerous traffic issues on Route 3 South as well. We’re urging motorists to avoid that area entirely because they will face lengthy delays,”

That portion of the highway will remain  closed to all traffic, until the trucks and roadway can be cleared, Barry said

Original story, Feb. 8:

WARWICK, RI — The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Warning for the city and state from 6 a.m. Thursday till 8 p.m. as Rhode Island prepares for a snowstorm expected to bring 8-12 inches of intense snowfall, with State Police urging motorists to avoid the roads during that time, if possible.

In the city, Warwick Public Schools, Hendricken High School, Community College of RI’s Knight Campus and many local preschools and educational services have announced closures for Thursday. There is also a parking ban in effect from midnight until further notice.

“This storm is expected to bring a large amount of snow very quickly, which will likely create treacherous driving conditions,” said Col. Ann C. Assumpico, Superintendent of State Police and Director of Public Safety. “We encourage people to stay off the roads if possible until the storm passes. However, if you are traveling, use extreme caution, especially around crews working to clear the roadways.”

The National Weather Service reports snow in the Warwick and Rhode Island area is expected to begin shortly after 7 a.m. Thursday. Snow could be heavy at times, with areas of blowing snow after 2 p.m., according to the service’s report. Temperatures are expected to fall to about 19 degrees by 5 p.m. The storm will bluster with a north wind 13 to 20 mph and gusts as high as 38 mph. Snowfall is expected to be 8-12 inches.

The windy conditions will continue throughout the night, with areas of blowing snow before 9 p.m. before gradually clearing, with a low around 8 degrees. Another 1-2 inches of snow is expected to fall during this time.

School/Business/Service Closures:

Warwick Public Schools: Closed Tomorrow//No PM Activities Thursday

Bishop Hendricken HS: No School Thursday

Classes and activities at CCRI campuses are canceled tomorrow, Feb. 9.

NE Inst. of Technology: All campuses closed on Thursday 2/9

Warwick Public Works: Parking Ban Tomorrow Morning; 12AM until Further notice

Buttonwoods School: Closed Tomorrow

Boys and Girls Club – Warwick: Closed Tomorrow

Imagine Preschool: Closed Tomorrow

Warwick Municipal Court: NO MUNICIPAL COURT ; CASES RESCHEDULED TO 3-2-2017

Warwick Pilgrim Senior Center: Closed Thursday; No Transwick Bus service

Addiction Recovery Institute – Warwick: Closed Tomorrow; Snow Plan; bring takehome box 2/8/17

Anchor Recovery Community Center: Closed Tomorrow; Both Pawtucket and Warwick

Bridgemark Inc: Closed Thursday 2/9/17

Cornerstone Adult Services- All Locations: Closed Tomorrow

Neuro Health: Closed Tomorrow

St Rose & St Clement: No 7 AM Mass, Office Closed

Coutu Bros Moving & Storage: all moves cancelled for Thur

Dr Roy Ragge DMD: Closed Tomorrow; No Services

Enos Chiropractic Center: Closed Tomorrow; Re-Open Monday 2/13

West Bay Orthopedic Associates – Warwick: Closed Tomorrow Morning; Will update 10:00am Thurs

Drive only if absolutely necessary. Stay home or use public transportation if available. If you must drive, let someone know where you’re going. Try to stay on main roads, which are likely to be cleared before back roads and side streets.Assumpico offered the following safety tips:

• Before driving, making sure snow is removed from windows, roof, hood, trunk, and license plate. State law requires motorists to clear snow from their vehicles or face fines of $85. Beware of snow and ice blowing off other vehicles, creating sudden hazards.

• Remember to turn on your headlights. State law requires that headlights be used, even during the day, when it’s snowing or raining. Make sure to brush snow off from headlights and taillights before driving.

• Use reduced speeds and allow extra space between you and the car in front of you. Allow extra time and distance for braking, especially at traffic lights and intersections. Beware of black ice, as well as visible snow and ice.

• If you encounter a problem while driving, pull off the highway or move as close to the side of the roadway as possible. If it is an emergency or you are involved in an accident, call 911.

State Police will be working with the Governor’s Office, the state Emergency Management Agency, Department of Transportation and other agencies throughout the storm to keep motorists safe, Assumpico said.

“If you must drive during the storm, remember to slow down and pull over for emergency vehicles,” Colonel Assumpico said. “In addition, please use extra care while driving near snow plows and sanding trucks. Give them the space they need to get the roads clear for all of us.”