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State of Rhode Island, Governor Dan McKee,
Governor McKee Updates Rhode Islanders on State’s Readiness for Upcoming Winter Storm
Published on Saturday, January 24, 2026
PROVIDENCE, RI – Today, Governor Dan McKee was joined by members of his cabinet at the Rhode Island Emergency Management Agency to outline the preparations and resources his administration has mobilized in advance of the winter storm expected to begin Sunday, January 25.
“With significant snowfall on the way, State resources are fully mobilized, and Rhode Island is ready to respond,” said Governor McKee. “Right now, my message to Rhode Islanders is this: Stay off the roads during the storm and give our plows room to work safely. We are prepared for this storm, and we ask Rhode Islanders to do the same. Stay informed and stay safe.”
McKee Administration Preparations:
The Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) has approximately 500 state and vendor plows ready for the storm—crews will be reporting for duty ahead of the storm. RIDOT also has 60,000 tons of salt available and has been pre-treating the roads throughout the week.
The Executive Office of Housing announced the activation of all four emergency pop-up sites for individuals seeking refuge from the storm.
West Warwick Civic Center – 100 Factory St.
This site will be open 24 hours until 9 a.m. on January 27. To access this site, individuals can go directly to the address.
The following sites will be open on January 24 and January 25 from 7:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. Individuals should first go to Matthewson Street Church.
Matthewson Street Church – 134 Matthewson St., Providence
Community Church of Providence – 372 Wayland Ave., Providence
Open Table of Christ – 1520 Broad St., Providence
These emergency pop-up sites are opening in addition to seasonal emergency shelters, overnight warming centers, daytime resource and warming centers, and year-round shelters, all available to help Rhode Islanders remain safe and warm during the storm. For a full list of resources and locations, please visit https://housing.ri.gov/resources/individuals-experiencing-homelessness [zk8ngbyab.cc.rs6.net]
Rhode Island Emergency Management Agency will monitor storm activities throughout the weekend with their state and local partners. They remain in close communication with local emergency management departments to ensure communities have the necessary supports in place. Find a list of local warming centers here: Warming Centers | Emergency Management Agency [zk8ngbyab.cc.rs6.net].
Rhode Island State Police has called in extra troopers who will be monitoring the highways and assisting motorists if needed.
The Department of Administration—at the Governor’s direction—has implemented the State’s Adverse Weather Policy [zk8ngbyab.cc.rs6.net] beginning Sunday, January 25 at 3 p.m. through Monday, January 26 at 10 a.m. The State will continue to monitor the forecast and update as necessary.
The Office of Energy Resources is in close contact with Rhode Island Energy, Clear River Electric & Water District, Block Island Utility District and the state's delivered fuel terminals to closely monitor the incoming storm system and its impact on power and fuel supplies across the state. Rhode Island Energy has called in additional restoration and tree crews.
The Rhode Island Department of Health recommends the following safety tips:
Check in with older family, friends, and neighbors. Older adults are more at risk for negative health impacts from significant weather events.
Limit time outdoors during extreme cold. If you have to be outside, dress in layers and do not drink a lot of alcohol or caffeine. (Alcohol and caffeine cause your body to lose heat faster.)
Shovel safely. Do not overexert yourself while shoveling snow. If you have a history of heart trouble, talk to your doctor to make sure it is safe for you to shovel snow. Drink plenty of water, dress warmly, and warm up the muscles in your arms and legs before you start shoveling. Don’t pick up too much snow at once. Instead of throwing the snow, try to push it in the direction you want. This helps protect your back.
Listen to your body—if you feel tired or feel tightness in your chest, stop shoveling.
Prevent slips and falls. De-ice the sidewalk, driveway, and any well-traveled areas outside your home.