Rhode Island braces for snowstorm, puts 'extra resources' on Washington Bridge | ABC6

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — As a significant snowstorm heads to Rhode Island, officials say they are focused on timing, with potential heavy snowfall starting mid-morning through the early afternoon.

The state has hundreds of plows on standby to clear the roads once that snow starts piling up.

“We have 450 plows available, 60 tons of salt, and we’re ready for the storm,” said Governor Dan McKee.

Rhode Island Energy is bringing in an additional 75 crews from out of state to help with any power outages from the storm.

During a press conference Monday, officials stressed the importance of preparing now with anything you may need, like batteries, food, water, pet supplies, gas, and prescriptions.

Officials also emphasized the importance of staying off the roads if possible once the snow starts hitting Southern New England.

Regarding the Washington Bridge, McKee said the state will be putting extra resources there.

“We are going to make sure we have the equipment there to make sure that that is clear,” McKee said. “And I think the plowing will work, but also we’ll have to make sure that we have the equipment there to make sure we’re keeping that as clear as possible.”

McKee said he is in contact with Massachusetts and Connecticut officials about possible traffic restrictions.

“We have similar routes that go through our state,” McKee said. “And we’re trying to figure out what makes sense.”

McKee collaborated with neighboring states in his decision to impose a partial travel ban directed at tractor-trailers.

Meanwhile, some schools already called snow days as of Monday afternoon.

“It all depends on what happens statewide,” said Angélica Infante-Green, Rhode Island’s Commissioner of Elementary and Secondary Education. “So if there’s a decision of something taking place statewide, obviously that will supersede any of the local decisions.”

“But some districts may do virtual,” Infante-Green elaborated. “Some districts make choose to make up the day or some districts may call it a day all together.”

The Department of Housing is also activating its emergency pop up shelters, you can find a full list on its website.