RHODE ISLAND EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY (RIEMA) WINTER STORM INFORMATION Cranston, RI --- The Rhode Island Emergency Management Agency (RIEMA) is preparing for a major winter storm anticipated to impact Rhode Island commencing in the very early morning hours tomorrow, January 12, 2011. The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Warning and is forecasting “hazardous weather conditions” with snowfall amounts ranging up to 17.5 inches predicted for northwestern Rhode Island and wind gusts as high as 35 mph. Of particular concern will be the timing of the storm which is predicted to be in full swing by the Wednesday morning commute. The Rhode Island Emergency Management Agency will convene a conference call with the National Weather Service at 9 AM this morning. A plan of action will be decided upon and passed along to State Cabinet Members and local emergency directors by 11 am. Local school districts and businesses should consider contingency plans which involve the likelihood of a major snow event that will likely have and adverse impact on the morning commute and may reach blizzard effect levels during the day on Wednesday. RIEMA will issue further information as the track and impact of the snow event becomes clearer based upon weather forecasts. For specific information on Winter Storm preparation, go to www.riema.ri.gov and see “Winter Safety Suggestions” January 11, 2011 January 11, 2011 March15,2010 Steve Kass Lt Col Denis Riel Telephone: (401) 462-7127, (401) 663-9776 Telephone: (401) 275-4193, (401) 641-1730 e-mail: steve.kass@us.army.mil e-mail: denis.riel@us.army.mil Governor: Lincoln D. Chafee Director: Major General Robert T. Bray Executive Director: J. David Smith The Rhode Island Emergency Management Agency (RIEMA) is the state agency responsible for coordinating federal, state, and local resources to protect the public during disasters and emergencies. RIEMA helps develop plans for effective response to all hazards, trains emergency personnel, provides information to families and communities, and assists in recovery from disaster losses. You can learn more about RIEMA by visiting the RIEMA homepage at www.riema.ri.gov . -30-
