A message from Mayor Frank Picozzi 

 A powerful snowstorm has been predicted for late tonight, which will last through the daytime tomorrow. The latest forecasts are calling for possible accumulations of 12 inches or more, with very high wind gusts and blizzard-like conditions.
We will begin pre-treating the roads tonight before the snow starts. Main roads such as Main Ave., West Shore Road, Post Road, Warwick Ave. etc, are state roads and are taken care of by the RIDOT. City main and secondary roads such as Sandy Lane, Tidewater Drive, Buttonwoods AVE, Jefferson Blvd, etc are our responsibility and we treat and plow them. We plow neighborhood roads but the city does not treat them.
The plowing operation will most likely last several days. Initially the effort will be on keeping roads open for emergencies throughout the storm. Once the snow stops the focus will shift to widening roads.
We are in great shape manpower-wise. All our vehicles are outfitted and ready to roll, however equipment failures are inevitable so our mechanics are ready.
A parking ban will go into effect from 8 PM tonight to 8 PM Sunday, but depending on conditions that may be extended. This parking ban will be strictly enforced. With this storm's potential snowfall, cars parked on the road will greatly hamper plowing efforts and create a safety hazard. Cars will be ticketed and towed. Please do not park cars at schools or other municipal parking lots because they will be towed from there too.
Please remove basketball hoops from the street.
With this storm there is a potential for power failures. Should the need arise, we will be prepared to open up a shelter in the high schools.
To reach the highway department to report problems call 921-9619.
For emergencies you can call the police department at 468-4200.
As always I'll try to keep you informed of developments on social media and through the press. If there are any significant developments I'll send out another robocall/text alert.
I urge everyone to be safe during the storm, and please stay off the roads unless you really have to get someplace. Please check on your elderly or disabled neighbors and help them how you can. Thank you.