The National Weather Service has issued a winter weather advisory for Newport and surrounding areas, with snow expected to move in Wednesday evening and continue into New Year’s Day.
The advisory is in effect from 7 p.m. Wednesday through 1 p.m. Thursday.
Newport and all of Rhode Island can expect total snow accumulations of 2 to 4 inches, along with wind gusts as high as 35 mph, according to the NWS Boston/Norton office.
What to expect
Wednesday afternoon will remain partly sunny with a high near 33 degrees before snow moves in overnight. The heaviest snow is expected to fall between 1 a.m. and 5 a.m. Thursday, with 1 to 3 inches of accumulation possible and a 90 percent chance of precipitation. The low Wednesday night will be around 27 degrees.
New Year’s Day will bring a chance of snow showers, mainly before 7 a.m., with less than half an inch of additional accumulation possible. Skies will gradually clear through the day, though temperatures will fall to around 24 degrees by 5 p.m. Northwest winds of 14 to 18 mph with gusts up to 29 mph will make it feel even colder.
Thursday night will be mostly clear and cold, with a low around 16 degrees and gusty winds continuing.
Parking bans
Several communities have announced parking bans ahead of the storm:
- Narragansett: 11 p.m. Wednesday until further notice
- Richmond: Thursday
- Tiverton: 10 p.m. Wednesday until further notice
- West Warwick: 8 p.m. Wednesday through 1 p.m. Thursday
Residents should check with their local police departments for updates.
Travel impacts
Forecasters are warning residents to plan for slippery road conditions that could impact both the Wednesday evening and Thursday morning commutes. Those heading out for New Year’s Eve celebrations should exercise caution on area roadways as snow begins to accumulate.
The highest snowfall totals are expected in the western hills of the Tolland Hills in northeast Connecticut and the western hills of Worcester County in central Massachusetts, though Newport and the rest of Rhode Island remain squarely in the advisory area.
The National Weather Service advises residents to slow down and use caution while traveling during the advisory period.
Looking ahead
Conditions will improve Friday, with mostly sunny skies and a high near 30 degrees.
This is a developing weather story. Check back for updates.