Key Highlights
- Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee extends state of emergency and travel ban.
- 50,000 Rhode Island Energy customers without power as storm intensifies.
- Blizzard conditions expected to persist through Tuesday, with potential 72-hour outages for some areas.
- State plow crews working around the clock; National Guard activated for emergencies.
The Blizzard That Won’t Go Away: Rhode Island’s Emergency Response
Rhode Island is under siege from a blizzard that shows no signs of letting up. Governor Dan McKee has extended the state of emergency and travel ban to Tuesday morning, acknowledging the severe conditions facing residents.
A State in Snowy Limbo
McKee emphasized the need for public safety during the height of the storm: “That cannot continue. We need to stay off the roads.” The governor’s directive is clear—Rhode Islanders should remain vigilant and avoid unnecessary travel, a message echoed by state officials.
Power Outages and Restoration Efforts
The impact on utilities is staggering. Around 50,000 Rhode Island Energy customers were without power as of early Monday morning. Greg Cornett from Rhode Island Energy reported that restoration will be a multi-day process, with some areas facing up to 72 hours before full power is restored.
Emergency Services and Public Response
The state’s emergency management agency has been working tirelessly, coordinating with local plow crews to clear roads. Robert Rocchio from the Rhode Island Department of Transportation highlighted the challenges: “We are dealing with limited visibility, downed trees, heavy winds, and stuck or abandoned vehicles.” The National Guard is also on standby, ready to assist in emergencies.
Despite the grim outlook, McKee remains resolute: “This is not a typical snowstorm; this is a blizzard. Traffic cameras are snowed over, traffic signals are out because of downed wires.” The cleanup and restoration efforts will be extensive, with the state facing an uphill battle to return to normalcy.
