Community Corner
Storm Center: Updates, Updates and More Updates
Bookmark this page to keep refreshing it from your computer (or phone if the power goes out.)
Find out what's happening in Newportwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
According to the National Grid outage map, customers are still without power in Newport.
The Gaudet shelter has closed as of 6 p.m. today.
Find out what's happening in Newportwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
3:30 p.m.
Schools
East Bay MET School is closed for Monday.
CCRI has cancelled classes and activities at all campuses for Monday. Only essential personnel should report.
Newport Public Schools is closed for Monday.
Cluny School is closed for Monday.
Salve Regina University is closed for Monday.
Closures
The Edward King House will be closed on Monday.
Trash and Recycling
The Newport Public Services Department’s Clean City Program announced that the trash and recycling collection will be delayed by one day this week.
Power Outages
About 320 National Grid customers are still without power in Newport, according to their outage map.
Everything Else
- Going stir crazy and need to get out of the house? Here's a list of open bars and restaurants that is constantly being updated by What's Up Newp.
- Gov. Chafee has announced that Rhode Island will enact its adverse weather policy for non-essential state employees for Monday. Workers may choose not to report to work if they have the prior permission of their supervisor. Those who do not report will be required to discharge personal or vacation time.
- Tell us how you would grade the City's plowing efforts here.
- Tips for avoiding a roof collapse can be found here.
Saturday
11:20 a.m. - All of Aquidneck Island is without power. Click here for more information about outages and how to report them.
Need help shoveling or want to offer help to your neighbors? Leave your information here.
9:30 a.m. - The Red Cross opened a regional shelter at the Gaudet Middle School at 1113 Aquidneck Ave, Middletown. Use the Turner Rd entrance. If you are unable to get to the shelter on your own, you can call the Middletown Police Station at 401-846-1104 or Carmela Geer at 401-418-0071.
Friday
10:32 p.m. — More than 2,700 Newport residents are now without power. Report any outages here.
9:30 p.m. — RITBA has announced that The Pell Bridge in Newport and the Verrazano Bridge in Jamestown have been closed to commercial vehicle traffic due to sustained winds of 58 miles per hour. At this time, this does not impact passenger vehicles. The bridge has also been closed to trucks.
12:51 p.m. — Gov. Chafee declares a state of emergency for all for all of Rhode Island. Read the full story here.
12:35 p.m. — What's Up Newp has created a huge list of bar and restaurant openings/closings. See what is or isn't still on for the weekend here.
12:30 p.m. — The National Weather Service upgraded the winter to a blizzard watch on Thursday morning. The NWS predicts snow accumulation of 18 to 24 inches. Read more about the incoming weather here.
12:25 p.m. — NWS issues Coastal Flood Advisory for 5 p.m. tonight through 8 a.m. Saturday. Areas near the coast could experience flooding during high tides.
11:45 a.m. — RIPTA bus service to be suspended at noon.The DOT recommends all drivers to stay off roads this afternoon.
10 a.m. — Have photos of the snow? Upload them here!
Cancellations/Closures/Delays
Updated as of 11:52 a.m. 2/8
Schools
Newport Public Schools - Cancelled for Friday, Feb. 8
Newport Montessori School, Middletown - Cancelled for Friday, 2/8
East Bay Met School - Cancelled for Friday, 2/8
The Cluny School - Classes for Friday, 2/8 have been cancelled.
Around town
The Potter League has rescheduled the Have a Heart Party for next Tuesday.
Newport Art Museum - Closed on Saturday, Feb. 9. Lecture by architectural historian John Tschirch of the Preservation Society of Newport County has been rescheduled for March 9.
Redwood Library and Athenaeum - Closed 2/8
Newport County Mental Health Clinic - Closed 2/8
Trinity Church - Closed 2/8
Find more information on cancellations here.
Feb. 7 - 4:45 p.m. There will be a parking ban in effect beginning Friday, Feb. 8 at noon until further notice due to the forecasted snow storm. Motor vehicles parked on these streets one-half hour after the public ban has been implemented may be towed to a place of storage at the owner's expense. Read more about the ban and the affected streets here.
Feb. 7. - 11:30 a.m. — Garbage pickup will begin an hour earlier on Friday before the snow impacts collection.
The City of Newport will be providing updates on the storm as well. They have posted the RIEMA preparedness check list, which can be viewed here.
In the event of power outages due to the storm, and outage map where they can be reported to National Grid can be found here.
You can also stay up to date with the Newport Police Department's Facebook page. They issued the following update on Wednesday night:
Don't get caught short for this storm. On Thursday take time to make sure you have heating oil, shovels, food and other emergency supplies. The preparedness kit you made for Sandy should be pulled out and restocked if necessary. And if your household is safe, reach out to your neighbor to make sure they are as well.
Previous Storm Coverage
Chafee Declares a State of Emergency
Blizzard to Bring 18-24 Inches of Snow
NPD Issues Parking Ban for Feb. 8
National Grid Prepares for Severe Winter Storm
RIEMA Warns of Major Nor'Easter
Trash & Recycling Collection Will Begin An Hour Earlier this Friday
Helpful Links
FEMA Winter Storm Preparedness
Feb. 7. - 10 a.m. — Keep checking this page for updates about Winter Storm Nemo's progress and how it is affecting Newport. Aside from the usual government and town agency posts that will be presented to you, this is where you can find school and business closings as well as downed trees and power lines, power outages and other dangerous situations.
Remember, I can't be everywhere, so please comment below with any of the above information that you are aware of so that I can check up on it.
Also, feel free to e-mail me photos or tips at newport@patch.com or text them to me at (401) 440-9827. And don't forget about the Newport Patch Facebook page and Twitter page!
Stay safe, Newport!
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