March snow brings delays, follows record-setting February for Providence snowfall

A SNOW PLOW seen in downtown Providence during a recent snow storm. February was the snowiest February on record for the city, according to the National Weather Service.  / PBN FILE PHOTO/FRANK MULLIN
A SNOW PLOW seen in downtown Providence during a recent snow storm. February was the snowiest February on record for the city, according to the National Weather Service. / PBN FILE PHOTO/FRANK MULLIN

PROVIDENCE – True to the old saying, March came in like a lion with up to seven inches of snow falling in some parts of Rhode Island Sunday night into Monday morning, prompting more rounds of cancellations and delays.
Snowfall amounts ranged from nearly 5 inches at T.F. Green Airport in Warwick and Providence to nearly 7 inches in Westerly, according to the National Weather Service.
The snow, which started Sunday afternoon, wrapped up before the Monday morning commute, but prompted a message from Gov. Gina M. Raimondo to use caution on the roadways and allow for extra time.
And more snow is on the way, according to the National Weather Service. Snow, sleet and freezing rain is forecast for Tuesday night with “moderate snow accumulation.”
National Weather Service meteorologist Kim Buttrick said that a light snowfall is expected to accumulate Tuesday evening before changing to a “wintry mix” and rain on Wednesday morning.
“Southern New England can still get snow in March and even into April. There is still going to be opportunity for storms to form and to give us more snow before we get to June,” Buttrick said.
February was the snowiest February in Providence to date with 31.8 inches falling in the city, beating the city’s past record of 30.9 inches in February 1962. The snowiest month ever for the city was in January 2005 with 37.4 inches of snow. Records date back to 1905, she said.
And with an average temperature of 18.4 degrees, February also was the second coldest month on record for the city. The coldest average temperature recorded was 17.4 degrees in February 1934, she said.
Meanwhile, Providence Mayor Jorge O. Elorza said a citywide parking ban went into effect at midnight and will remain in place until further notice.

Vehicles parked on the street in violation of the ban will be ticketed and towed to ensure that roadways can be plowed, he said.

Garbage and recycling collection will proceed but may experience delays due to slow morning travel. Residents are reminded not to put garbage and recycling bins in streets or locations that will interfere with plowing or travel, Elorza said.

City residents with snow-related concerns can contact the snow hotline at 680-8080. Residents experiencing power outages should contact National Grid at 800-322-3223. In the event of an emergency always dial 911, Elorza said.

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There is no school today in Pawtucket and Providence; many other schools reported one-hour delays. The list of closings and delays can be found HERE.

The Rhode Island Public Transit Authority said that eight routes – 1, 3, 6, 18, 27, 34, 49, 64, 87 and 92 – are on detour as regular service resumes after the weekend storm. RIPTA said accumulating snow in some areas and unplowed secondary roads, make it difficult for RIPTA vehicles to travel safely.
Service will be restored as conditions allow; passengers are encouraged to check RIPTA.com for updates throughout the day.
Riders may expect some delays on all routes due to weather conditions and are advised to use extreme caution at bus stops due to decreased visibility and slippery conditions, RIPTA said.
At T.F. Green Airport, some early morning flights were canceled, but most flights after 9 a.m. were on schedule.

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