Rhode Island Lifts Travel Ban After Blizzard, Recovery Efforts Underway
Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee lifted the statewide travel ban at noon on Tuesday following a blizzard. The Governor advised residents to remain off roads unless travel was essential, acknowledging that full recovery from the historic blizzard would require time.
Governor Dan McKee lifted the statewide travel ban at noon on Tuesday, cautioning residents to remain off roads unless travel is essential as recovery from the historic blizzard begins.
Emergency Response and Enforcement
Rhode Island State Police reported responding to 269 disabled vehicles and 20 crashes during the blizzard. They also issued over 40 tickets for violations of the traffic ban.
Reasoning for Lifting the Ban
Governor McKee stated that the decision to lift the ban was primarily based on safety considerations. He also emphasized the importance of allowing businesses to reopen to support the state's economy.
Cleanup and Restoration Efforts
Extensive cleanup and restoration efforts are now underway across the state.
- The National Guard was activated to assist with cleanup operations, check warming centers, and verify that no individuals were in disabled vehicles.
- Rhode Island has requested mutual aid from other states for specialized snow removal equipment, including payloaders, heavy-duty plows, and backhoes.
- Rhode Island Energy has mobilized significant resources, with more than 400 crews and 1,400 personnel engaged in damage assessment, debris cleanup, and power restoration. Officials anticipate that power restoration in some areas could take up to 72 hours or longer.
Public Assistance Information
For residents requiring assistance, specific resources are available.
- Individuals with shelter or housing needs are directed to visit https://housing.ri.gov.
- Those requiring transportation to a shelter are advised to contact their local public safety department.