National Weather Service Issues Blizzard Warning for Southern RI

This is the message from the National Weather Service in Taunton.

"URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Taunton MA
1205 PM EST Thu Feb 9 2017

...BLIZZARD WARNING EXPANDED TO INCLUDE SOUTH COASTAL RI
AND ALL OF SOUTH COASTAL MASSACHUSETTS...

Eastern Kent RI-
Bristol RI-Washington RI-Newport RI-
Including the EAST GREENWICH, WARWICK, WEST WARWICK, Bristol, Narragansett,
Westerly, and Newport

...BLIZZARD WARNING IN EFFECT UNTIL 8 PM EST THIS EVENING...

The National Weather Service in Taunton has issued a Blizzard
Warning, which is in effect until 8 PM EST this evening. The
Winter Storm Warning is no longer in effect.

* LOCATIONS...South coastal Rhode Island including eastern Kent,
Bristol, Washington, and Newport Counties...and south coastal
Massachusetts including southern Bristol and southern Plymouth
Counties.

* HAZARD TYPES...Blizzard conditions. Heavy snow and strong to
damaging winds. Scattered thunderstorms.

* Accumulations...Snow accumulation of 12 to 18 inches.

* Timing...Snow will continue heavy at times through the afternoon
then taper off to snow showers this evening.

* Impacts...Heavy snow and strong to damaging winds will result in
blizzard conditions this afternoon and early evening. Intense
snowfall rates of 2 to 3 inches per hour will be possible at
times this afternoon. Strong winds will create blowing and
drifting snow and near-white out conditions at times. Travel is
not recommended this afternoon and evening. In addition strong
to damaging winds may result in isolated power outages.

* Winds...North 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 55 mph.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A Blizzard Warning is issued when sustained winds or frequent
gusts over 35 mph are expected with considerable falling and/or
blowing snow. Visibility will become poor with whiteout
conditions at times. Those venturing outdoors may become lost or
disoriented. So persons in the warning area are strongly advised
to stay indoors.