Governor McKee Declares State of Emergency, Issues Travel Ban
GoLocalProv News Team
Governor McKee Declares State of Emergency, Issues Travel Ban
McKee is also activating the State Emergency Operations Center for the duration of the storm.
“We’re asking Rhode Islanders to take this storm seriously and stay home,” Governor McKee said. “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.”
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Forecast
The National Weather Service has issued a blizzard warning for Rhode Island beginning on Sunday, February 22, at 4:00 p.m. through Tuesday, February 24, at 7:00 a.m. The current forecast shows the potential for 18 to 24 inches of heavy, wet snow with wind gusts up to 60 mph across the state. The heaviest accumulation, along with whiteout conditions are expected between 1:00 a.m. and noon on Monday. Blizzard conditions are expected to create hazardous travel, with severely reduced visibility and the potential for power outages.
Travel Ban
Beginning on Sunday, February 22, 2026, 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.
State Government Closed
State government offices will be closed on Monday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. During the State of Emergency, all non-essential state personnel are relieved from duty. Essential personnel, as determined by their respective agencies, should report to work and/or remain at work.
McKee Administration Preparations
The Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) has approximately 500 state and vendor plows and 60,000 tons of salt available. Roads have been thoroughly pretreated, and crews will be reporting well in advance of the storm.