RI Emergency Management Agency

SKYWARN® is a voluntary program run by the National Weather Service (NWS) consisting of trained individuals who observe and report severe weather conditions, such as tornadoes, hail, and high winds, in real-time. These volunteers act as the "eyes and ears" for meteorologists, providing crucial ground-truth data that helps issue accurate, timely warnings to protect life and property. Want to learn more? Visit weather.gov/box/skywarn to find a training session near you.

Happy St. Patrick’s Day! 🍀 Enjoy the fun and a little Irish luck—but don’t rely on luck alone. Be prepared and take simple steps today to get ready for emergencies!

With a High Wind Warning in place this evening, it’s important to know the difference between a watch and a warning… 🌮 Watch: The taco ingredients are on the counter. It looks like tacos could happen, but nothing’s cooking yet. Stay alert and be prepared. Warning: The tacos are being served. It’s happening right now—time to act.

The National Weather Service has issued a High Wind Warning for Rhode Island beginning 5:00 PM on March 16, 2026, through 6:00 AM on March 17, 2026. Strong to potentially damaging wind gusts between 45 and 65 mph are expected, along with periods of heavy rain and possible thunderstorms. These conditions may down trees and power lines, which could lead to power outages. Travel may become hazardous, particularly for high-profile vehicles such as trucks, vans, and buses. Residents are encouraged to secure loose outdoor items and use caution while traveling. 🌬️🌧️

The @NWSBoston has issued a ‼️Flood Watch‼️ from 5:00 AM on March 16, 2026, until 8:00 AM on March 17, 2026. Excessive rainfall may cause runoff that could lead to flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying or flood-prone areas. Flooding is also possible in urban areas and places with poor drainage. Safety Reminder: Never walk or drive through floodwaters. More information: inws.ncep.noaa.gov/a/a.php?i=1252…

⚠️WEATHER ALERT: A “HIGH WIND WARNING” is in effect from 5pm Monday to 6am Tuesday. Southerly winds gusts 50-65 mph expected, with scattered power outages. “FLOOD WATCH” for Monday remains in effect⚠️

T.J. is tracking a #WeatherAlert on this #Monday morning! Heavy rain and strong winds today and tonight. @wpri12

A storm is expected to move in this evening and last until Tuesday, bringing gusting winds that could impact power across RI. Our crews are prepared and ready to respond safely and efficiently. Now is a good time to check your storm kit—staying prepared makes all the difference!

Do you know if you live in a flood zone? 🌧️ Take a few minutes to check your property’s flood risk—many homes affected by flooding are outside of high-risk areas. Flood insurance can provide critical financial protection and peace of mind, because most standard homeowners policies don’t cover flood damage. Visit floodsmart.gov to learn more.

Keep green in your pocket this St. Patrick’s Day and always have extra cash in case of emergency. Include cash in your emergency kit—during power outages or evacuations, ATMs and card systems may not work. Having small bills on hand ensures you can still buy essential supplies when you need them most.

Daylight Saving Time begins this weekend! Don’t forget to turn your clocks forward one hour before heading to bed on tonight. While you’re adjusting your clocks, it’s also a great time to: ✔️ Check and replace batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide alarms ✔️ Review your emergency plans ✔️ Restock any essential supplies Losing an hour of sleep isn’t always easy, but longer, brighter evenings are on the way. Here’s to a safe and sunny spring ahead! 🌞

March’s Do 1 Thing focus is Sheltering 🏠 When emergencies happen, knowing what to do can make all the difference. Take a few minutes this month to learn how to respond safely when officials tell you to evacuate or take shelter. ✔️ Know your local evacuation routes ✔️ Prepare a go-bag in advance ✔️ Identify safe shelter areas in your home ✔️ Stay informed through trusted local alerts

A pet preparedness kit can be Lucky’s lucky charm! Just as you do with your family’s emergency supply kit, have a basics for survival kit for your pet that includes a collar with ID tag, a harness or leash, food, water, medicine, grooming supplies, first aid kit, sanitation needs, traveling bag, crate or sturdy carrier, ideally one for each pet, and other familiar items.

Through the Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC), we were able to coordinate critical out-of-state support to strengthen Rhode Island's snow removal operations. In addition to Vermont’s arrival on Wednesday, crews from Pennsylvania, Maine, and Connecticut deployed yesterday with front-end loaders, dump trucks, road blowers, and skilled personnel to assist with our response efforts. Their partnership and swift support are making a meaningful difference, and we are deeply grateful for their assistance.

🚒 Help Keep Fire Hydrants Clear! ❄️ With all the recent snowfall, snow mounds can quickly bury or block access to fire hydrants. In an emergency, every second counts — and firefighters need clear, immediate access to hydrants to protect lives and property. If you have a fire hydrant near your home or business, please take a few extra minutes to clear at least 3 feet around it, including a path from the street to the hydrant.

We’re bringing in resources and manpower from across the region to support our cities and towns with their storm recovery efforts. We won’t stop until the job is done.

Today, the first of many plow crews from our neighboring states arrived to help cities and towns dig out from the blizzard. RIDOT and @RhodeIslandEMA are working to assign trucks based on the needs of local communities.

New Englanders always have each other’s backs. Thank you @GovPhilScott for sending extra resources to help our local communities continue their cleanup efforts. More mutual aid is coming from out of state. Grateful for everyone’s support.

📢 Attention RI Cities, Towns & Businesses: Visit DEM’s Snow Disposal Policy for guidance on selecting & managing snow disposal sites to protect drinking water & nearby waterbodies, while prioritizing public safety. For assistance, call 401-537-4262. 📌 dem.ri.gov/snow-disposal-…

🚨SERVICE ALERT🚨All service suspended to Dorrance St. on Routes R-Line 3, 4, 6, 20, 22, 51, 54, 58, and 72. Visit RIPTA.com/alerts for details.