Liz Burke, WPRO News

At a briefing at the State House on Thursday night, Governor Chafee warned all of Rhode Island of the oncoming snow storm.

“So I urge all Rhode Islanders to take this seriously, this is a major storm and to be prepared. The most important thing is to think ahead,” says Governor Chafee.

Officials at the briefing are reminding everyone that weather conditions will be difficult. There will be high winds and visibility will be very low. State Police Colonel Steven O’Donnell warns people to stay home for their own safety, and for the safety of the first responders.

“When snow is falling at 2 to 3 inches an hour and more as what’s predicted, no matter how many trucks we have out there, they’re not going to be able to keep up with the plowing so there will be times during the very severest part of the storm when it’s going to be difficult just to keep lanes open for emergency vehicles. So it’s very important that people stay off the roads during the peak of the storm,” says National Grid Rhode Island President Timothy Horan.

For detailed forecasts and up-to-the-minute closings and information, visit our Operation Snowball page.