2 Winter Storms Could Bring Significant Snow To RI This Week

RHODE ISLAND — Two winter storms are taking aim at southern New England this week, bringing the potential for major snow accumulation.

The first chance for snow is Monday afternoon, when most of Rhode Island will only see a coating. The National Weather Service said drivers shouldn't expect too much difficulty on roads, with most accumulation on non-paved surfaces. Temperatures are expected to stay at or slightly above freezing, so roads are more likely to remain wet rather than freezing over. After a rainy start to the day, expect the changeover to snow in the later afternoon.

The real potential for significant snow is Wednesday into Thursday, when the entire state is expected to see more than half a foot of accumulation. While there's still a lot of uncertainty surrounding the nor'easter, the National Weather Service has the entire state in the "highest confidence" category for 6 inches or more of snow.

The snow is expected to arrive Wednesday night and continue into Thursday, bringing the potential for difficult travel, high winds, coastal flooding and high seas across the region.

Rhode Island-area forecast from the National Weather Service:

Monday
Rain and snow, mainly before 5 p.m. High near 36. North wind around 5 mph becoming calm. Chance of precipitation is 80 percent. Total daytime snow accumulation of less than one inch possible.

Monday Night
A chance of rain and snow, mainly before 7 p.m. Cloudy during the early evening, then gradual clearing, with a low around 28. West wind 7 to 11 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30 percent. Little or no snow accumulation expected.

Tuesday
Sunny, with a high near 35. Northwest wind 9 to 14 mph.

Tuesday Night
Partly cloudy, with a low around 19. North wind 5 to 8 mph.

Wednesday
A slight chance of snow after 4 p.m. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 30. Northeast wind 6 to 8 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20 percent.

Wednesday Night
Snow. Low around 25. Northeast wind 9 to 14 mph, with gusts as high as 26 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90 percent. New snow accumulation of 5 to 9 inches possible.

Thursday
Snow likely, mainly before 9 a.m. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 30. North wind 15 to 18 mph, with gusts as high as 28 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60 percent.

Thursday Night
Mostly cloudy, with a low around 18. North wind 8 to 11 mph, with gusts as high as 23 mph.

Friday
Sunny, with a high near 30. North wind around 10 mph.

Friday Night
Mostly clear, with a low around 17. North wind around 7 mph.