Mayor Brett Smiley Announces City’s Preparations Ahead of Weekend Snowstorm

Providence ramps up snow operations ahead of weekend storm to ensure safe travel and accessible streets

Mayor Brett P. Smiley today joined Department of Public Works (DPW) Director Patricia Coyne-Fague to announce the City of Providence's preparations ahead of an anticipated significant snowstorm this weekend. With snowfall projected Sunday into Monday, the DPW is proactively preparing all equipment and personnel to respond to the storm. Roadways will be pretreated this weekend ahead of the expected snowfall.

"The safety and well-being of our Providence neighbors and visitors is our top priority as we prepare for this weekend's snowstorm," said Mayor Brett Smiley. "I want to emphasize that this storm is predicted to be larger than previous events and that clean-up efforts are expected to take longer than usual. Our Department of Public Works crews are ready, our equipment is in place and we have the resources needed to keep Providence safe and functioning. I ask all neighbors to be patient as crews work around the clock to clear snow on every street in every neighborhood. Plan ahead, follow the snow ban guidelines and stay informed so we can work together to keep our community safe."

DPW has over 80 personnel working across snow operations this weekend, supported by 63 plow vehicles. DPW has more than 5,000 tons of salt and sand ready for deployment. Residents should expect snow removal operations to continue throughout the storm and into Monday, depending on conditions.

"We are fully prepared to meet the challenges of this weekend's snowstorm," said Department of Public Works Director Patricia Coyne-Fague. "Our crews and equipment are ready, and every resource is in place to keep Providence safe and accessible. We will be monitoring conditions closely and responding around the clock to ensure neighbors and visitors can travel safely throughout the storm."

In response to community feedback, the City has expanded snow ban parking locations this winter to give neighbors more options during snowstorms, with 16 approved sites citywide. Overnight permit holders should move their vehicles to an approved location once a snow ban is declared, and all vehicles must be removed within eight hours after the ban is lifted. Parking rules are enforced by the Providence Police Department to allow plows to clear streets efficiently and keep everyone safe.

The City will issue a press release, social media posts and a PVD311 text alert if a parking ban is implemented.

With dangerously low temperatures expected tonight and into tomorrow morning, the City and Providence Emergency Management Agency (PEMA) recommend all residents stay indoors when possible and limit exposure to the cold and wind. They also encourage the community to take precautions and are providing the following tips and suggestions.

Cold Weather Safety Tips:

• Be aware of the fire danger from space heaters and candles; keep such devices away from all flammable materials.
• Install recommended smoke and carbon monoxide detectors (at least one of each per floor in your home).
• Stay indoors and use safe heating sources.
• Do not use charcoal or other fuel-burning devices, such as grills indoors; these produce carbon monoxide.
• Outdoors, stay dry and in wind-protected areas.
• Wear a hat or hood to prevent heat from escaping the body and several layers of loose-fitting, lightweight, warm clothing rather than one layer of heavy clothing, covering all exposed skin during exposure.
• Bring household pets inside, if possible.
• Check on your neighbors, especially the elderly and people with special needs.
• Wear mittens, a hat and cover your mouth with a scarf to protect your lungs.
• Watch for signs of frostbite-skin appears white and waxy, numbness or no feeling in that area and/or possible blister.
• Watch for signs of hypothermia-shivering and numbness, confusion or dizziness, stumbling and weakness, slow or slurred speech and shock.

For a full list of warming center locations and hours, visit www.providenceri.gov/pema/providence-warming-centers/.

Stay informed on upcoming weather events or possible storms by following City of Providence, PEMA, and Providence Recreation Department social media platforms.

To receive up-to-the-minute alerts and updates, residents are encouraged to register for the CodeRED emergency notification system by visiting: https://www.providenceri.com/PEMA/codered.

In case of an emergency, dial 911. For non-emergency issues, contact PVD311 during business hours.

For more information about warming centers, please visit the City's website.