Blizzard Warning issued for Rhode Island: Sunday through Tuesday

The National Weather Service Boston/Norton office has issued a Blizzard Warning for all of Rhode Island from 4:00 p.m. Sunday through 7:00 a.m. Tuesday, with dangerous winter conditions expected statewide.

What to expect

• Snow: 1 to 2 feet possible across RI
• Wind: Gusts up to 60 mph
• Visibility: Near-zero at times from blowing and falling snow

Timing

• Snow develops Sunday afternoon
• Worst conditions: Sunday evening through Monday night
• Storm tapers early Tuesday morning

Impact

• Whiteout conditions likely
• Travel could become impossible
• Power outages possible from downed trees and lines
• Major disruption to Monday commute

Officials urge residents to avoid travel during the storm unless absolutely necessary. If you must be on the road, carry a winter survival kit and remain with your vehicle if stranded.

This blizzard comes mere weeks after the anniversary of the infamous Blizzard of ’78 which was one of the worst winter storms in New England history, slamming Rhode Island and the Northeast on February 6–7, 1978. The storm stalled off the coast, dumping up to 30 inches of snow in Rhode Island and more than 40 inches in parts of Massachusetts, with wind gusts over 75 mph creating massive drifts.

Source: National Weather Service Boston/Norton