Winter storm alert: January 2018

salvetoday Posted On January 3, 2018
0


A winter storm warning is in effect through 1 a.m. Friday, Jan. 5, with a blizzard warning in effect through 7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 4. The current forecast calls for snow accumulations of 9-12 inches, with localized amounts up to 14 inches.

Due to the ongoing storm, Salve Regina will be closed Thursday, Jan. 4 and Friday, Jan. 5.

During the storm, travel will be dangerous, and damage to trees and power lines is possible. Winds gusting as high as 60 mph will cause whiteout conditions in blowing snow, and scattered to widespread power outages are anticipated.

The University will provide ongoing updates through this post, Facebook, Twitter and salve.edu email. If necessary, the University will activate its Salve-Alert text messaging system.

Dining Hours

Sodexo has announced modified dining hours for Thursday and Friday. The Miley Hall cafeteria will serve breakfast from 8:30-9:30 a.m., lunch from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and dinner from 5:30-6:30 p.m. Miley Mart/Starbucks will be closed Thursday and Friday. 

Parking Ban (Newport)

The city of Newport will have a parking ban in effect through 6 a.m. Friday.

The following streets are designated tow zones for emergency snow removal: Annandale Road, Bellevue Avenue (from Kay Street to Bowery Street), Bedlow Avenue, Bliss Road, Broadway, Coggeshall Avenue, East Bowery Street, Farewell Street, Friendship Street, Gibbs Avenue, Gould Street, Kay Street, Powel Avenue, Spring Street, Summer Street, Thames Street, Third Street, Warner Street, Washington Street, Washington Square, West Marlboro Street, West Narragansett Avenue, William Street and Van Zandt Avenue (from J.T. Connell Memorial Road East to Malbone Road).

Vehicles parked on these streets while the ban is in effect may be towed. Residents may utilize the Gateway Center, Mary Street and Easton’s (First) Beach parking lots free of charge during the parking ban.

Parking Ban (Middletown)

The town of Middletown will have a parking ban in effect through 9 p.m. Friday.

Storm Tips

  • The Office of Safety and Security is open 24/7. The best number to reach them is (401) 341-2325. If you are unable to reach Safety and Security by phone, notify your RA or area coordinator.
  • If you experience a power loss, contact Safety and Security. Emergency crews from National Grid will be on-call during the storm and will restore power as soon as possible.
  • Charge your cell phone ahead of time. In the event of a prolonged power loss, this will ensure that you have cell phone usage.
  • You should never use candles, even if the power goes out.

Safety Measures

Potentially life-threatening wind chill temperatures are forecast late Thursday through Saturday.

  • Frostbite and hypothermia are possible for those without proper protection from the cold. Frostbite can occur in as little as 30 minutes for unprotected skin.
  • Do not use alternative heating sources in University buildings. Possible increase in fires and/or carbon monoxide poisoning from unsafe/improper use of alternative heating sources.
  • Completely fill vehicle gas tanks to avoid freezing and possible vehicle failure.
  • Be aware of possible water main breaks and pipe bursts. Notify Safety and Security immediately if you suspect a broken pipe or water leak.
  • Depending on the number of power outages incurred on Thursday, the threat to those without power (heat) is significantly life threatening on Friday and Saturday as temperatures reach zero with wind chill temperatures reaching -15 to -35 degrees.  Alternate housing will be provided in the event of extended power loss.

Important Phone Numbers

  • Safety and Security (24 hours): (401) 341-2325
  • National Grid power outage: (800) 465-1212
  • National Grid gas leak: (800) 640-1595