RI Weather: Storm Timing, How Much Snow Will Fall

The first significant snowfall of 2020 is expected to hit Rhode Island over the weekend. Late Saturday afternoon, the flakes will start flying, with some parts of the state expected to see half a foot of accumulation.

At this time,a winter storm watch will only be in place in the northern part of the state. Snowfall is expected to start around 4 p.m. statewide, with accumulation totals varying by town. In southern, coastal areas, only and inch or two is likely to fall. Interior and northern areas will see the most snow, especially the western half of the state. In Coventry, as much as four to six inches are expected, while Providence will likely see three to four inches. a more detailed accumulation map is below.

The snow is expected to keep falling throughout the evening on Saturday, tapering off and possibly changing over to rain briefly after midnight. On Sunday morning, more snow showers are possible, though little to no additional snow accumulation is likely.

Whatever snow does fall is likely to stick around for awhile, as the beginning of next week is expected to be bone-chillingly cold, with highs well below freezing. Amid the frigid temperatures, warming centers are open in communities across the state.

Here's a look at the latest forecast from the National Weather Service.

Friday
Sunny, with a high near 24. Blustery, with a northwest wind 15 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 33 mph.

Friday Night

Mostly clear, with a low around 11. Northwest wind 6 to 13 mph.

Saturday
Snow, mainly after 2 p.m. High near 31. Calm wind becoming south 5 to 7 mph in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 80 percent. New snow accumulation of 1 to 2 inches possible.

Saturday Night
Rain and snow before midnight, then a chance of rain between midnight and 4 a.m. Low around 31. South wind 10 to 13 mph becoming west after midnight. Chance of precipitation is 100 percent. New snow accumulation of 2 to 4 inches possible.

Sunday
A chance of snow showers, mainly between 8 a.m. and 1 p.m. Partly sunny, with a high near 42. West wind 11 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30 percent. Little or no snow accumulation expected.

Sunday Night
Partly cloudy, with a low around 21. West wind 10 to 14 mph.

M.L.King Day
Sunny, with a high near 30. Northwest wind around 10 mph, with gusts as high as 21 mph.

Monday Night
Partly cloudy, with a low around 16. Northwest wind around 9 mph.

Tuesday
Mostly sunny, with a high near 27. Northwest wind around 9 mph.

Tuesday Night
Mostly clear, with a low around 8. North wind around 7 mph.