Hours ahead of the Northeast blizzard's arrival, there is already a long list of school and business closings scheduled for Friday, Feb. 8, 2013 in Rhode Island and nearby Massachusetts.
Airport delays and Amtrak service cancellation announcements are started hours before the first snowflake is expected to fall in what the National Weather Service is calling "Winter Storm Nemo."
Expected Snowfall Totals: According to recent weather reports, the 2013 blizzard could be historic, with as much as a foot of snow expected in New York; one to two feet in parts of Connecticut and Rhode Island; and up to 3 feet of snow in Boston. Expect blizzard conditions with heavy winds and power outages, with snow continuing into Saturday.
Stock up on water, batteries, flashlights, and non-perishable food now. Charge your mobile devices, fill up your gas tank and get cash out of the ATM before the storm is in full swing on Friday.
Stay informed during the storm and register for broadcast text alerts by texting STORM to NGRID (64743). Sign up for e-mail alerts by creating a profile. Follow National Grid on Twitter or Facebook for the latest storm information.
The following is information about Rhode Island closings, cancellations and delays. If you are in Massachusetts, go to Mass.gov for the lastest storm updates.
2013 Northeast Blizzard Cancellations and Delays in Rhode Island
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School Closings: Just about every school in the state, both public and private, will be closed on Friday. Child daycares and senior centers are closed or open for limited times on Monday. Find a full list of closings here.
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Business Closings: Wondering if you have to go to work on Friday, Feb. 8? Find a long list of business closings here.
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Retail Stores: Many businesses have already listed closures. Find a full list here. Most supermarkets, including Stop & Shop and Shaws, are open for business. Wal-Mart and Target have not announced that they will be closing at this time, but it is always best to call ahead.
- Amtrak: Amtrak is reducing service on its Acela Express and Northeast Regional routes between New York and Boston starting on Feb. 8, 2013. Click here for the latest information.
- Flight Cancellations and Delays: If you live locally here in Rhode Island or in nearby Boston, check the TF Green Airport home page for all flight arrivals, departures, cancellations and delays. Find flight information for Logan Airport, Boston here. Check for flight delays and cancellations at NY's Laguardia Airport here and JFK Airport here.
- Boston's MBTA stops at 3:30 p.m. ET and RIPTA buses in RI will stop operating at noon on Friday.
Useful Storm-Related Links For Rhode Islanders:
