By Tiffany Williams –
PROVIDENCE, R.I. — Mayor Brett P. Smiley and Department of Public Works Director Patricia Coyne-Fague say Providence is bracing for what could be one of the more significant snowstorms of the season, with city crews preparing for prolonged operations as snow is forecast to fall from Sunday into Monday.
“The safety and well-being of our Providence neighbors and visitors is our top priority as we prepare for this weekend’s snowstorm,” Smiley said. “I want to emphasize that this storm is predicted to be larger than previous events and that clean-up efforts are expected to take longer than usual. Our Department of Public Works crews are ready, our equipment is in place and we have the resources needed to keep Providence safe and functioning. I ask all neighbors to be patient as crews work around the clock to clear snow on every street in every neighborhood. Plan ahead, follow the snow ban guidelines and stay informed so we can work together to keep our community safe.”
City officials say DPW is proactively preparing equipment and staffing levels, with roadways set to be pretreated ahead of the storm. More than 80 DPW personnel will be assigned to snow operations, supported by 63 plow vehicles and more than 5,000 tons of salt and sand ready for deployment. Snow removal is expected to continue throughout the storm and into Monday, depending on conditions.
“We are fully prepared to meet the challenges of this weekend’s snowstorm,” Coyne-Fague said. “Our crews and equipment are ready, and every resource is in place to keep Providence safe and accessible. We will be monitoring conditions closely and responding around the clock to ensure neighbors and visitors can travel safely throughout the storm.”
City officials also highlighted changes to snow ban parking this winter, saying community feedback led to the expansion of approved snow ban locations to 16 sites citywide. Overnight permit holders are required to move vehicles to an approved location once a snow ban is declared, and all vehicles must be removed within eight hours after the ban is lifted. Enforcement will be handled by the Providence Police Department to allow plows to clear streets efficiently.
With dangerously low temperatures expected overnight and into the morning, the City and Providence Emergency Management Agency urged residents to limit time outdoors and take cold weather precautions, including safe use of heating sources, checking on elderly neighbors and those with special needs, and bringing pets indoors when possible. Officials warned residents to watch for signs of frostbite and hypothermia as the storm and cold intensify.
Residents are encouraged to stay informed through City of Providence, PEMA, and Providence Recreation Department social media channels, and to sign up for CodeRED emergency alerts. In emergencies, officials said residents should call 911, while non-emergency issues can be directed to PVD311 during business hours.