Northern RHODE ISLAND – Parts of northern Rhode Island were reporting up to ten inches of snow by 6 a.m. Friday, Jan. 7, putting the region on track for totals that would far exceed projections from Thursday.
Snow is expected to continue throughout the day, with a winter storm warning in effect through 4 p.m. Friday afternoon.
It is the first major snowfall of the winter season, and the National Weather Service had predicted between 5 to 8 inches for most of Rhode Island.
But some parts of northern Rhode Island and southern Connecticut seemed to have largely exceeded expectations only halfway through the storm. Travel and visibility were expected to be hazardous for those who need to commute.
Fortunately, schools throughout the state planned for closings on Friday, and public works departments were geared up for cleanup. Burrillville schools had already moved to distance learning for the later part of the week, and schools in Glocester and North Smithfield announced weather cancellations. All three towns had parking bans in effect on Friday.
In North Smithfield, Town Hall was closed, and Friday’s trash and recycling pickup was delayed to Saturday. A complete list of local closings and cancellations can be found here.
“If possible, please stay off the roads for your own safety and the safety of our DPW plow drivers,” a release from the town administrator’s office requested.
Snow is expected to slow down after 11 a.m. and taper off completely by late afternoon.
