PROVIDENCE, RI — In a winter event that will be talked about for generations, Rhode Island is currently grappling with the aftermath of a catastrophic “bomb cyclone” that has officially eclipsed the legendary Blizzard of ’78. As of Tuesday, February 24, 2026, a rigorous RI travel ban remains the law of the land for most of the state, as emergency crews struggle to clear roads buried under more than three feet of snow.
Governor Dan McKee, who declared a State of Emergency via Executive Order 26-02 on Sunday, has urged residents to remain patient. “This is not just a snowstorm; it is a historic disaster,” McKee stated in a morning briefing. “Our goal is to save lives, and that starts with keeping you off the roads so our plows can do their work.”
The RI Travel Ban: What You Need to Know
The Rhode Island travel ban was implemented in phases starting Sunday evening and remains one of the most restrictive in the nation. While neighboring states like New Jersey and parts of New York have begun lifting their restrictions, Rhode Island’s mandate is firm due to the record-breaking accumulation.
- All Motor Vehicles: A total ban on non-emergency vehicle travel is in effect for all state and local roads.
- Commercial Vehicles: Tractor-trailers, tankers, and box trucks are strictly prohibited from all highways, including I-95, I-195, and I-295.
- Exemptions: Only emergency responders, medical personnel, and vehicles transporting critical life-saving supplies are permitted.
- Bridges: The Newport and Jamestown Bridges are currently closed to all traffic due to sustained hurricane-force wind gusts.
Violators of the RI travel ban face heavy fines and the risk of being stranded, which diverts precious emergency resources.
A New Record: 37.9 Inches Shatters the “Blizzard of 78”
For nearly 50 years, the Blizzard of 1978 was the gold standard for Rhode Island winter misery. That record is now history. The National Weather Service confirmed this afternoon that Providence (T.F. Green International Airport) recorded a staggering 37.9 inches of snow.
This surpasses the 1978 record of 28.6 inches by nearly 10 inches. In coastal areas like Newport, the storm brought not just snow but hurricane-force winds, with a peak gust recorded at 89 mph, the highest in the entire Northeast corridor.
| Storm Comparison | Blizzard of 1978 | Blizzard of 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Providence Snow Total | 28.6 Inches | 37.9 Inches |
| Peak Wind Gust (RI) | 67 mph | 89 mph |
| Statewide Travel Ban | Yes | Yes (Extended) |
| State of Emergency | Yes | Yes |
RI Power Outage Map: Tens of Thousands in the Dark
The combination of heavy, wet snow and extreme winds has devastated the state’s electrical grid. According to the RI energy power outage map, more than 35,000 customers are currently without power.
Washington County remains the hardest hit, with over 10% of residents in the dark. Utility crews from Rhode Island Energy have been joined by mutual aid from as far away as Canada, but the deep snowdrifts—some exceeding six feet—are preventing bucket trucks from reaching residential side streets.
Current Outage Statistics (as of 5:00 PM):
- Total Affected: ~38,000 homes and businesses.
- Hardest Hit Areas: Washington County, Kent County, and Newport County.
- Restoration Time: Rhode Island Energy warns that full restoration in remote or heavily drifted areas could take until the weekend.
Note: Residents are encouraged to view the live Rhode Island power outage map at rienergy.com/outage for real-time updates on their specific neighborhoods.
Emergency Services and Shelters
The Rhode Island National Guard has been activated to assist in “life-and-safety” missions, including transporting medical staff to hospitals and conducting wellness checks on the elderly.
Emergency “pop-up” shelters and warming centers have been established across the state, including:
- Providence: Matthewson Street Church
- Middletown: Gaudet Middle School
- Pawtucket: Jenks Middle School
- West Warwick: West Warwick Civic Center (Open through 9 AM Wednesday)
The Road Ahead: When Will the Ban Be Lifted?
While the snow has finally tapered off, the danger is far from over. Significant drifting caused by lingering 40 mph winds continues to fill in roads that have already been plowed.
Governor McKee has not yet provided a definitive time for the lifting of the RI travel ban, but officials hint that a “soft opening” for essential business travel may occur by Wednesday morning. For now, the message to Rhode Islanders remains the same: Stay home, stay warm, and stay off the roads.