During winter, Providence and Rhode Island can expect snow or blizzards, ice, or a period of extremely cold temperatures. Snowstorms can bring an inch or two of snow or more than a foot of snow. Winter conditions can vary. A blizzard occurs when snow is falling at a fast rate, there are winds of 35 miles per hour or more, and visibility is near zero. Other times, there is no precipitation, but outdoor temperatures can be colder than average for several days in a row.
When extreme cold and winter weather are forecasted, warming centers will be open to the public for those who need to seek temporary shelter in Providence. Information about warming centers and other winter weather-related announcements can be found on the City’s Snow Ready page.
To help prepare your family or household, download the Rhode Island Emergency Management Agency’s Winter Weather Preparedness Guide.