Good morning! It’s going to be a stormy day with heavy rain in the morning transitioning to heavy, wet snow from north to south in the afternoon. Accumulating snow can be expected in the north and west of Providence by the end of the day. Temperatures will drop from the low 40s to the mid-30s. Expect ENE winds of 10-20mph, gusting up to 40mph.
For the morning commute, expect street flooding and ponding on the roads due to heavy rain, especially near the coast where gusts can reach 30-40mph. By early afternoon, the northern part of Rhode Island will experience a heavy wet snow. Central and southern communities will have a mix of rain and wet snow by mid to late afternoon. Snow will start to accumulate in the north by late day and in the Providence area and points south by the evening, causing slow and tricky travel during the evening commute and beyond. Expect snow to continue early tonight, tapering to lighter snow showers after midnight. Expect north gusts reaching 30-45mph.
Total accumulations will range from 4-7″ in the north, 2-4″ in the center, and 1-2″ near the coast. The greatest concern for wind damage and power outages is in areas where heavy snow burdens trees and powerlines, especially in the north and west of Providence. Expect inland winds to ramp up later in the evening, gusting 30-45mph. The “Winter Storm Warning” is in effect for far Northwest RI starting from Tuesday for snow accumulations of 4-7″ by Tuesday night.
The “Winter Weather Advisory” is in effect for the rest of the area, including northern Bristol County in MA. Newport County is not included. Snow accumulation in the advisory area will range from 2-4″, and closer to the south shore, only 1-2″. A “High Wind Warning” has been issued for the eastern MA coast for gusts 50-65mph, while RI can expect gusts to peak at 35-45mph. Expect potential scattered power outages due to the heavy, wet snow coating trees and powerlines, with higher risk in the north and west of Rhode Island.
Wednesday will remain windy and cool, with a lingering snow shower possibly in the early morning. The afternoon will be partly cloudy and dry, with temperatures near 40.
Don’t forget to check out the Ski Report for the New England forecast and resort conditions. Stay safe out there!