Wednesday PM Storm Update: Total Snow Accumulation Could Average Around a Foot for RI, Says Ghiorse

Wednesday PM Storm Update: Total Snow Accumulation Could Average Around a Foot for RI, Says Ghiorse

GoLocal meteorologist John Ghiorse said that Rhode Island should see on average around a foot of snow with the storm expected to start Wednesday night and continue through Thursday morning. 

According to Ghiorse's latest update at noon on Wednesday, projected forecasts could still change later today as the center of the storm forms.

The City of Providence has announced a parking ban -- and National Grid said it has "increased staffing" with high winds expected -- see more below. 

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Ghiorse on Storm

"As of early this afternoon the much talked about storm seems to be locked and loaded," said Ghiorse. "The storm center is still getting its act together over the Mid-Atlantic states and heavy snow has broken out in Pennsylvania headed into New York this afternoon and likely overspreading Southern New England this evening."

"The snow should come down at a heavy pace from the get-go and continue into Thursday morning, with light snow finally exiting tomorrow afternoon," he said. "Northeast winds likely will gust to 30-50mph tonight causing drifting and blowing snow with near zero visibility."

"Right now it still looks like total accumulation will average around a foot with some spots getting a bit less and others a few inches more," said Ghiorse. "Those numbers may have to be tweaked later today once the coastal center of the storm forms and we get a better look at the heavy snow pattern."

Providence Parking Ban

A citywide parking ban in Providene will go into effect at 12:01AM, tomorrow, December 17, until further notice. Residents with overnight parking passes are advised that they cannot park on the street during the duration of the citywide parking ban. All vehicles parked on the street in violation of the citywide parking ban will be ticketed and towed to ensure that roadways can be plowed.

Providence City Hall and 444 Westminster St. will be closed on Thursday, December 17, but City services will remain operational. The Providence Public School District has also announced that while school buildings will be closed on Thursday, December 17, all students will be participating in virtual learning. Providence recreation centers remain closed.

Garbage and recycling pickup in Providence scheduled for Thursday, December 17 will be made on Friday, December 18 and Friday’s scheduled collections will take place on Saturday, December 19.

Grid Staffs Up

National Grid has called in more than 220 additional line crews and 200 forestry crews to assist with the restoration efforts.  Over 1,800 field-based workers will be activated across New England as part of their emergency response operations. This includes forestry, contractors, underground, damage assessment, wires down, transmission, and substation workers. 

The company is continuously monitoring the storm, communicating with local officials, first responders and life support customers.

The Company offers the following tips and reminders: 

Customers Should Stay Connected:  

Report power outages at www.nationalgridus.com or call 1-800-465-1212. 
Use your mobile device to track outage information and storm-related safety tips through National Grid’s mobile site accessible at www.ngrid.com/mobile.