Northern RI – The season’s largest storm yet is set to roll into the region Sunday night, bringing the potential for several feet of snow and thousands of power outages to Rhode Island.
The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm watch for all of the state, pointing a “potentially historic” blizzard that will bring 18-24 inches across the state, with pockets of up to 30 inches possible.
The high impact winter storm is on track to bring blizzard conditions to the region, with strong winds and heavy snow.
Snow is expected to arrive Sunday afternoon and increase through the evening with the heaviest coming between 4 a.m. and noon. Accumulation is on track to continue into Monday, with rates of more than two inches per hour.
“Whiteout conditions are possible and may make travel treacherous and potentially life-threatening,” noted NWS, adding that visibility could drop to less than 1/4 mile.
NWS noted that the greatest risk for tree damage and power outages is in southeast Massachusetts and Rhode Island where 55 to 75 miles per hour wind gusts will combine with heavy, wet snow. Rhode Island Energy is expecting between 40,000 120,000 customers without power and anticipates 24-72 hours for restoration. Outages should be reported to (855) 743-1101.
On Sunday, the weather service noted “high confidence” in accumulation of two feet or more across eastern Massachusetts and Rhode Island.
Schools in Burrillville, North Smithfield and Glocester have been cancelled for Monday, Feb. 23.
In North Smithfield, a parking ban will go into effect at 5 p.m. Sunday night until further notice. Trash pickup has been cancelled for Monday and Town Hall will be closed Monday. The town’s warming center at Scouter’s Hall, 13 Main St. and will be available for those who need it after 6 p.m. on Sunday.
Glocester has declared a parking ban for Monday and the Glocester Emergency Management Agency is reminding residents to stay off the roads during the storm, so as not to interfere with plow crews.
“Prepare for power outages by checking generators, storing water, keeping phones and devices charged,” noted GEMA.
Burrillville’s parking ban will be in effect from 4 p.m. Sunday until 8 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 24. Town Hall will be closed on Monday and trash collection will be delayed one day for the remainder of the week.
“All fire stations will have additional personnel on duty for the duration of the storm,” said Burrillville Emergency Management Director Michael Gingell.
Gingell noted that officials in Burrillville held a meeting Sunday morning to ensure everyone’s prepared, which included Town Council Vice President Stephen Rawson and representatives from Clear River Electric and Water.
“They’re 100 percent storm ready,” Gingell said.
The director also reminded residents about generator safety, noting they should always follow the manufacturer’s guidelines in case of an outage. He noted another concern about the storm is the snow load on roofs, saying residents should reach out to local public safety officials with concerns.
Gov. Dan McKee declared a State of Emergency for Rhode Island, issued a travel ban, and enabled the activation of the Rhode Island National Guard as needed ahead of blizzard.
Beginning on Sunday, Feb. 22 at 5 p.m., there will be a restriction on commercial vehicle travel on all roads statewide. Beginning on Sunday, February 22, 2026, at 7 p.m., there will be a restriction on all motor vehicle travel on all roads statewide. These restrictions will be in effect until further notice. Vehicles transporting emergency supplies and/or emergency personnel will be exempt from these restrictions.
The order can be viewed here, and a list of emergency shelters can be found here.
The winter storm watch remains in effect until Tuesday morning.
