Governor Dan McKee: Travel Ban Has Been Lifted as of Noon Tuesday
Published on Tuesday, February 24, 2026
Rhode Islanders Encouraged to Use Extreme Caution on Local Roads—Stay Home if You Can
PROVIDENCE, RI – Governor Dan McKee lifted the motor vehicle and commercial vehicle travel bans as of noon today. As local communities work to clear their roads, the Governor urges Rhode Islanders to stay home today if possible and to use extreme caution on local roads if travel is necessary. Local parking bans remain in place and will be lifted by cities and towns as they are ready.
“Our plow crews have been out in full force to make sure our state roads are safe for travel,” said Governor Dan McKee. “We are grateful to our plow drivers, first responders, utility crews, emergency personnel, our local communities, and everyone who has been working around the clock to help keep Rhode Islanders safe. It’s going to take time to fully recover from this historic blizzard, but we will get through it, and we will not stop until the job is done.”
Road Conditions
Rhode Island Department of Transportation crews and snowplows will remain on the roads today, pushing back and removing snow as needed. Crews are also ready to respond to potentially slick roads as the snow melts and temperatures drop. They will be providing assistance to local municipalities as necessary.
To help local communities with their recovery efforts, Rhode Island is also requesting mutual aid from other states, including resources like payloaders, heavy-duty plows, backhoes, and other equipment to help speed up snow removal. Governor McKee met with municipal leaders this morning to assess local conditions and hear their needs. Rhode Island National Guard will continue to be dispatched to challenging areas across the state to provide support as needed.
Outages
Rhode Island Energy has more than 400 crews and 1,400 personnel working across the state to assess damage, clean up debris, and restore power amid historically severe blizzard conditions. With the severe storm impact, it could be up to 72 hours before power is restored in some areas, and potentially longer in severely impacted parts of Rhode Island.
To report power outages, visit RIEnergy.com/outage, text OUTAGE to 743674, or call 855-743-1101.
Shelters
With travel restrictions lifting, the Governor is reminding Rhode Islanders about the expanded shelter capacity available across the state for those who need a warm place to stay.
All emergency pop-up shelters are activated and open for the foreseeable future, with the exception of the West Warwick shelter, which is scheduled to close Thursday morning at 9 a.m.
- Matthewson Street Church, 134 Matthewson St., Providence
- Community Church of Providence, 372 Wayland Ave., Providence
- Open Table of Christ, 1520 Broad St., Providence
- West Warwick Civic Center, 100 Factory St., West Warwick
Additionally, in coordination with the Rhode Island Red Cross, the State has opened additional regional shelters:
- Gaudet Middle School, 1113 Aquidneck Ave, Middletown
- Jenks Middle School, 350 Division St, Pawtucket
- Broad Rock Middle School, 351 Broad Rock Road, Wakefield
These emergency sites are opening in addition to shelters in communities across the state—no one will be turned away without a place to go. For a full list, visit https://housing.ri.gov/resources/individuals-experiencing-homelessness.
If you need to go to a shelter but cannot travel, please coordinate with your local public safety departments.
The public is reminded that due to the threat of carbon monoxide poisoning and other safety concerns, portable generators should never be used indoors. Portable generators must only be used outdoors in well-ventilated areas at least 20 feet from all doors, windows, and vent openings, and with exhaust directed away from the building. Never refuel a generator while it is hot.