Newport Blizzard 2015: What's Closed, What's Open

Newport is now in the early stages of a powerful winter nor’easter that could bring two or more feet of snow, powerful wind gusts and power outages that could last for days.

Here’s a rundown of everything you need to know about the storm and what’s going on in Newport, from what’s closed to what’s open and warm.

This article will be updated throughout the duration of the storm. Keep checking back for updates.

The storm is expected to bring most of the state to a standstill at least until mid-day Tuesday. In fact, travel on state roads is banned after midnight tonight and anyone caught on the roads could be arrested, according to the Rhode Island State police.

There will be no school in Newport on Tuesday and all activities after school on Monday have been cancelled.

Trash and recycling has been delayed by one day beginning Tuesday.

The city has instituted a parking ban, going into effect at 6 p.m. for eight city streets. Free parking is available in several city lots for residents affected.

A Coastal Flood Advisory has been issued for Newport and Washington Counties.

Here’s a rundown of most of the closings and cancellations of note in Newport:

• The Claiborne Pell Bridge, also known as the Newport Bridge, closes at midnight.
• Uber will not be operating after midnight due to the state imposed travel ban.
• Aquidneck Medical Associates will be closed tomorrow and is expected to open Wednesday at 10 a.m.
• Bike Newport’s annual meeting scheduled for Tuesday has been cancelled. A new date will be announced.
• Boys and Girls Clubs of Newport will be closed through tomorrow.
• The Newport City Council’s workshop Tuesday on recycling at special events and the council rules has been cancelled.
• The Edward King House Senior Center closed at 1:30 p.m. on Monday and will remain closed until Thursday.
• A Dist. 5 meeting at the Newport Library tonight with Rep. Lauren Carson at the Newport Public Library has been cancelled.
• Naval Station Newport will be open for mission essential staff for snow teams only beginning at 6 p.m.
• The MLK Community Center will be closed Tuesday. Updates on Wednesday’s programs will be determined Tuesday.
• The Naval Undersea Warfare Center will be closed tomorrow. Report at 0800 Wednesday.
• The Newport Art Museum is closed until Wednesday at noon.
• The Newport Public Library will be closed until Thursday.
• Salve Regina University is closed through Wednesday.
• Salve Plunge 2.0 planned for Tuesday is cancelled.

What’s open?

Being snowed in in Newport doesn’t mean you have to spend it alone, or out in the cold if you don’t have a place to go.

The Seamen’s Church Institute is open Monday through the duration of the storm as a warming center. It is located at 18 Market Square. It is one of the few shelters in the state to be open 24/7. If you know someone who might spend the night out in the cold, be sure to let them know there’s a place to get a hot cup of coffee and stay warm.

If you lose power, tune to WADK AM 1540 news updates.

A number of Newport establishments are open for a hot meal or drink as you ride out the blizzard.

Wiley’s Burger Bar on Lower Thames is open and has generator power. So does Midtown Oyster Bar in the Brick Alley Marketplace.

Want to share your storm info? Are you open for business? Need someone to help you shovel? Want to go out and help shovel? Post it in the comments, email it to newport@patch.com or head over to our Facebook page and let us know.