Providence, RI – As Christmas season travel intensifies, Rhode Island is preparing for a blast of Arctic air and snow that could bring hazardous driving conditions across the state this weekend. Forecasts call for temperatures dropping into the teens and low 20s by Saturday night, with wind chills making it feel even colder.
The same Arctic system sweeping through the Midwest and Northeast is sending temperatures plunging nationwide. On Friday morning, parts of Florida were under a Freeze Warning — a rare sign of how deeply this cold air mass has spread. For southern New England, it means slick highways, freezing wind gusts, and the potential for travel disruptions through Sunday.
Rhode Island emergency officials are advising all motorists to prepare their vehicles for winter weather and holiday travel. Drivers using I-95, Route 146, or Route 4 should be ready for slower conditions, potential black ice, and low visibility at night.
A well-equipped winter emergency kit can make a major difference if you become stranded. Key items include bottled water, energy snacks, a flashlight, jumper cables, blankets, gloves, and a shovel. Sand or cat litter can help with traction, while keeping a portable phone charger and a half-full gas tank ensures you can stay warm and connected if stuck.
Travelers are encouraged to check forecasts frequently, share travel plans with family, and avoid unnecessary trips during the height of the storm.
As winter tightens its grip on the Northeast, preparedness remains critical. For Rhode Islanders on the move this Christmas season, safety begins long before the first snowflake falls — with a car that’s ready for whatever the Arctic cold brings.
