Rhode Island Buried Under Staggering Record Snowstorm

A crippling blizzard buried Rhode Island under snow, knocking out power to thousands of residents and completely shutting down T.F. Green International Airport.

"Due to the severity of winter weather conditions, Rhode Island T. F. Green International Airport has temporarily suspended all airport operations," the airport posted to X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter.

"Passengers are advised to contact their airline directly for the most up-to-date information regarding flight cancellations, delays, and rebooking options," the post said. "Airport teams will continue to monitor conditions closely and will resume operations as soon as it is safe to do so. Updates will be shared as they become available. The safety of passengers, crews, and staff remains our top priority. Thank you for your patience and understanding."

The blizzard dropped a record amount of snow on Providence, according to the National Weather Service.

"As of 1 pm, the snowfall total at Rhode Island T.F. Green International Airport was 32.8 inches," the National Weather Service said.

Monday's blizzard broke the record for the greatest single snowstorm on record, which was 28.6 inches set Feb. 6 to Feb. 7, 1978, according to the National Weather Service.

The state remains under a blizzard warning until 7 a.m. Tuesday, according to the National Weather Service.

In that time, between 7 and 21 inches of snow will fall across Rhode Island with winds gusting up to 75 mph, the National Weather Service forecast said.

Visibilities may drop below 1/4 mile due to falling and blowing snow," the National Weather Service warned.

"The strong winds and weight of snow on tree limbs may down power lines and could cause sporadic power outages," according to the warning. "Whiteout conditions are expected and will make travel treacherous and potentially life-threatening. Travel could be very difficult to impossible. Areas of blowing snow could significantly reduce visibility."

Once the snow stops Tuesday, expect sunny skies and the temperature to climb from a Monday night low of 20 degrees to 31. There is a chance of more snow Thursday.

Rhode Island Gov. Dan McKee declared a State of Emergency, issued a travel ban and enabled the activation of the Rhode Island National Guard as needed.

“We’re asking Rhode Islanders to take this storm seriously and stay home,” McKee said in a statement. “This is an all-hands-on-deck response. Our state agencies have the resources and manpower they need to respond and keep Rhode Islanders safe.”

Rhode Island Energy reported more than 40,000 customers were without power.

See Also:

• All Rhode Island Market Baskets Closed Due To Blizzard
• Rhode Island General Assembly Cancels Sessions, Committee Hearings Tuesday