Ri Energy: Blizzard Warning continues for all of southern New England through Monday

ri energy — A powerful nor'easter will slam southern New England from Sunday night into Monday, producing blizzard conditions that will make travel impossible and raise the risk of widespread power outages.

Ri Energy: Gusts 50-70 mph and near-zero visibility

Winds are expected to gust between 50-70 mph from midnight until noon on Monday, blowing and drifting heavy, wet snow and dropping visibility to near zero at times. Snowfall rates of 2-3" per hour are possible during the heaviest bands overnight into Monday morning, creating periods of whiteout conditions across Rhode Island and southeastern Massachusetts.

Heavy, wet snow and the threat to trees and power

The weight of this storm's snow will be higher than earlier storms this season because of increased surface temperatures and water content, increasing the risk of downed limbs and power lines. A widespread 18 to 24 inches is expected across most of Rhode Island and southeastern Massachusetts, with 12 to 18 inches along the immediate south coast and toward the Cape Cod canal.

When the storm will ease and what to expect next

Road conditions will deteriorate rapidly Sunday night and could become impassable by Monday morning; the forecast warns travel will be impossible and is not recommended. It might not be until 3 PM Monday when snowfall rates let up, although light to moderate snow could linger until 11 PM. Given the combination of gusts of 60 mph or more and wet, heavy snow along the south coastline, power outages are likely in those areas.

Officials advise allowing extra time for snow removal and, if possible, making multiple passes with a shovel, plow, or snowblower to manage the heavy, wet accumulation. The heaviest snow and strongest winds are expected overnight into Monday morning, with conditions gradually easing later in the day.