Winter storm blankets Rhode Island with snow – TPR: The Public's Radio

Check parking bans, closings, and cancellations here.

Heavy snowfall Saturday night and into the day Sunday blanketed much of the region. As of late morning, the whole state, except Block Island, remained under a Winter Storm Warning through 4 p.m. Sunday.  

But according to the National Weather Service, the brunt of the storm appears to be hitting hardest in other parts of New England.

The weekend storm has made driving conditions hazardous and likely contributed to more than a few accidents across the state.

The Rhode Island Department of Transportation deployed its full fleet of plows to clear paths and salt the roadways — 200 state trucks and more than 250 contractors.  

In Providence, Mayor Brett Smiley’s office lifted an overnight parking ban as of 9 a.m., as city snowplows continued to clear the roads. The mayor’s office reminded residents to shovel sidewalks in front of their properties to make foot traffic easier.

State officials recommended people check in with older family, friends, and neighbors to see if they need help, and advised Rhode Islanders to be careful not to overexert themselves shoveling snow.

“Instead of throwing the snow, try to push it in the direction you want,” a statement from Gov. Dan McKee’s office advised. “Listen to your body — if you feel tired or feel tightness in your chest, stop shoveling.”

For many Rhode Islanders, the biggest impact of this weekend storm was recreational.   Parks and playgrounds have been full of families sledding and enjoying the day.

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