Gov. McKee declares State of Emergency due to blizzard

As a powerful winter storm moves toward Rhode Island, Governor Daniel McKee announced a statewide state of emergency, urging residents to prepare for heavy snowfall and dangerous conditions.

Forecasters predicted that parts of the state could see more than two feet of snow, along with strong winds that could create near-blizzard conditions, especially along the coast. With the storm expected to intensify quickly, McKee said the declaration would allow the state to respond faster and more effectively.

“Declaring a state of emergency now helps us get ahead of the storm,” McKee said. “Our main focus is keeping Rhode Islanders safe.”

The order activated the state’s emergency response systems and allowed the Rhode Island Emergency Management Agency to coordinate efforts across departments. Road crews began pretreating highways and positioning plows, while utility companies prepared for the possibility of scattered power outages caused by heavy snow and strong winds.

State offices closed ahead of the storm, and many school districts announced cancellations. Officials strongly encouraged residents to stay off the roads once conditions worsened, giving plow operators and emergency crews room to work.

McKee also reminded residents to check on elderly neighbors and to make sure they had essential supplies, including food, water, and medications. “If you don’t need to travel, please stay home,” he said.

The state of emergency will remain in effect until the storm passes and travel conditions improve. In the meantime, officials say preparation and caution will be key to getting through the storm safely.