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McKee says Rhode Island ready to respond to snowstorm


A state plow sits at the ready ahead of a storm, Wednesday, Dec. 16, 2020. (WJAR)
A state plow sits at the ready ahead of a storm, Wednesday, Dec. 16, 2020. (WJAR)
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Gov. Dan McKee said Monday that his administration is monitoring the approaching snowstorm.

The Rhode Island Emergency Management Agency will activate the Emergency Operations Center at 5 a.m. Tuesday.

Storm Team 10 says a widespread 4 to 8 inches of snow is expected through the end of the storm Tuesday night.

McKee said the Rhode Island Department of Transportation has 140 trucks and more than 250 vendor trucks ready to go.

He also said the state has 45,000 tons of salt available, which is more than enough for the storm.

"We're going to get a considerable amount of snow for the first time this year, something I've been looking forward to and I'm sure all of you have," said Rhode Island Department of Transportation Director Peter Alviti.

Alviti said crews will apply salt for de-icing the road hours before the snow begins.

"Depending upon what the intensity is overnight it may be coming down faster than we can take it away so we ask people to give themselves a little bit of time in the morning," he added.

As the snow approaches, those at Scituate Power Equipment are reminding those with snow blowers to double check their equipment.

"Start it up now, make sure it runs, make sure it's all good to go," said Scituate Power Equipment Manager Jason Allen. "Fill it with gas and just wait out the storm I guess."

The Providence Department of Public Works said personnel and equipment are ready to go and that roadways will be pretreated ahead of the expected snowfall.

The Providence Emergency Management Agency said the following locations will be available for people experiencing homelessness:

  • Crossroads RI: 160 Broad St., 401-521-2255
  • Providence Rescue Mission: 627 Cranston St., 401-274-8861
  • Emmanuel House: 239 Public St., 401-421-7888
  • Cranston Street Armory, facilitated by Amos House: 310 Cranston St., 401-272-0220

The shelters will open Monday night and stay open 24 hours.

Non-emergencies can be reported to the Mayor's Center for City Services by calling 311.

Storm Team 10 forecasts snow is expected to start around 11 p.m. Monday night and subside around 9 a.m. on Tuesday.

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