Rhode Island Prepares for Blizzard Conditions and Extreme Cold Weather
For Use: Immediately
Date: January 3, 2018
Re: Winter Storm
The Rhode Island Emergency Management Agency is alerting all Rhode Islanders that National Weather Service has issued a Blizzard Warning for Newport and Washington County and a Winter Storm Warning for Kent, Providence and Bristol Counties effective January 4, Thursday 4:00AM to 7:00PM. In response to the winter storm, Governor Raimondo closed State Government for Thursday.
PERSONAL PREPAREDESS: Encouraging everyone to have to an emergency plan should they lose power. Ensure you have a place to stay, back up heating source and communication plan. In addition, please stay off the roads for the duration of the storm.
SNOW ACCUMULATION: The current prediction for snow accumulation in Rhode Island is 9 to 12 inches. The snow is expected to begin between 3am and 5am Thursday morning with heaviest snowfall between 9am and 11am. Expect 1-3" per hour snowfall rates.
TRAVELING CONDITIONS: Hazardous driving conditions, difficult at times and visibility may be reduced. Motorists that must be on the road are reminded to drive with caution. Encourage all Rhode Islanders to stay off the roads.
TEMPERATURES: Temperature will extremely dangerous; wind chill forecast -10 / -20
WINDS: 45-65 mph wind gusts with tree damage and scattered power outages
RIEMA OPERATIONS: RIEMA will activate the State Emergency Operations Center at 2:00AM Thursday. RIEMA will monitor weather conditions and report state activities for any storm-related issues. RIEMA will continue to receive updates from the National Weather Service and coordinate with state agencies and local emergency management directors. Shelters: - Warming shelters will be open during normal business hours unless noted otherwise. List of warming centers, click on the following: http://www.riema.ri.gov/warmingcenters/index.php - List of Local Emergency shelters, click on the following: https://riema.wufoo.com/forms/pa253ii0rdowg2/ - For additional Local information, contact your local emergency manager. Contact information for your local emergency manager, click the following link: http://www.riema.ri.gov/resources/citizens/response/local.php
Twitter: @RhodeIslandEMA Facebook: facebook.com/RhodeIslandEMA Instagram: rhodeislandema
General Winter Preparedness Tips: • The temperature inside your home should be set according to your own activity level, health, and medications. What is an acceptable, fuel-saving temperature for an active family may not be safe for an older person who has difficulty moving or takes certain medications. • The elderly are especially susceptible to extremely cold temperatures. Check on elderly friends, family, or neighbors frequently. • Keep a blanket and/or hats and gloves in your vehicle in the event you are stranded and without heat. • Know the signs of frostbite and hypothermia. Symptoms of frostbite can include loss of feeling and loss of color and usually happens on the nose, ears, cheeks, chin, fingers, or toes. Symptoms of hypothermia in adults can include shivering, exhaustion, confusion, fumbling hands, memory loss, drowsiness, or slurred speech. In infants, symptoms of hypothermia can include bright red, cold skin, and low energy. • Remember: Pets get cold too! If it is too cold for you to be outside, it's too cold for your pet as well. Do not leave cats/dogs outside for prolonged periods of time. • Stay informed. Reliable, accurate information is an essential resource before, during, and after an emergency or disaster • Keep warm. People with limited mobility or who are on certain medications may need to keep heat at higher temperatures. For additional information visits the RIEMA website at www.riema.ri.gov stay tuned to Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter for situational updates and preparedness information.
Contact: Armand Randolph (401) 641-8269 Cell (401) 462-7183 Office www.riema.ri.gov
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PR: 1-18