Snow causing cancellations, chaos for MBTA, which is freezing rail service through Tuesday

The first storm of the season on Jan. 27 brought heavy snow and blizzard conditions throughout the state of Rhode Island; this is a downtown scene from that storm.  Today's storm is expected to bring another 12 inches of snow to parts of Rhode Island. / PBN FILE PHOTO/FRANK MULLIN
The first storm of the season on Jan. 27 brought heavy snow and blizzard conditions throughout the state of Rhode Island; this is a downtown scene from that storm. Today's storm is expected to bring another 12 inches of snow to parts of Rhode Island. / PBN FILE PHOTO/FRANK MULLIN

(Updated 12:24 p.m., 4:30 p.m. and 6:00 p.m.)
PROVIDENCE – For the third Monday in a row, snow again is forcing cancellations and delays throughout the Ocean State and beyond.

In one of the largest effects of the snow storm, the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority has suspended all rail services at 7 p.m. Monday through all of Tuesday, meaning that no subway, trolleys or commuter rail trains will depart Boston after that time. Limited MBTA bus service will continue until the end of regular service hours, but customers are advised that connections to subway and commuter rail lines will not be available.

The MBTA said that accumulating snow is making it “virtually impossible to keep rail lines operational. From a safety perspective, the MBTA is concerned about the risk of multiple disabled trains that would require evacuations on the tracks, potentially in the dark.”

The MBTA is encouraging travelers to check mbta.com/winter/ for updates, or check Twitter @MBTA.

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The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm warning until Tuesday morning for the state as up to 12 inches of snow is predicted to fall. As a result, numerous schools are closed, parking bans are in effect, several flights are being canceled at T.F. Green Airport and the R.I. Public Transit Authority is reporting 10 to 20 minute delays on routes.

RIPTA said that 12 routes are on detour – Routes 6, 18, 27, 29, 34, 51, 54, 55, 58, 73, 87, 92. Routes will be restored as conditions allow and travelers are urged to check www.ripta.com for updates.

The Providence Athenaeum is closed today, due to the storm and citywide parking ban. It is expected to reopen Tuesday. Rhode Island courts are open, but no hearings, cases and trials are scheduled.

Gov. Gina M. Raimondo said that state offices will operate Monday under the adverse weather policy.
“I’m urging Rhode Islanders again to take caution during the Monday commute,” Raimondo said. “Forecasters are predicting the most snowfall right before the morning commute, so the roads will be messy – everyone should plan for extra time and drive slowly. Please remember to check on your loved ones and neighbors, and to watch closely for updates on school closures and parking bans. I also want to encourage all businesses to be flexible with their employees – safety continues to be our number one priority.”
The adverse weather policy means that non-essential state employees scheduled to work during this time – and who are unable to report for work (or who wish to report late or leave early) – may use annual leave, personal leave, or leave without pay and must notify their supervisor.

National Grid is reporting that fewer than five customers in Bristol are without power, and that the outage is being assessed.

Sources for up to date storm information for residents and businesses include the following:

AccuWeather also said there is a potential for another storm before the end of the week that could bring moderate to heavy snow.

 

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