RI Winter Storm: Less Snow Than Expected; Blood Center Loses Donations; Crashes

RHODE ISLAND — Snow forecasts in Rhode Island for Tuesday's winter storm largely did not come to fruition.

Although parts of western Rhode Island got almost a foot of snow, most communities have gotten less than expected. But even with less snow than expected, the storm did impact Ocean State residents.

Crashes

As of 4 p.m. Tuesday, the Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) has reported eight disabled vehicles, including several cars spinning out.

RIDOT officials also reported six crashes, which have all been cleared, except for one. The right lane of Route 6 westbound in providence is blocked at the Hartford Avenue/Plainfield Street exit, because of a crash involving a truck rolling over.

There was also a ban on tractor-trailers on Rhode Island roads during the height of the storm. Gov. Dan McKee said that ban was lifted around 2 p.m.

Also read: Northeast Snow Storm Causes Closed Schools, Canceled Flights

RI Blood Center Loses 400 Donations Because Of Storm

The Rhode Island Blood Center lost 400 appointments for blood donations, as donor centers and mobile blood drives were forced to close amid the storm.

"This is the first time in several years that a weather event has forced the full closure of all donor activities at RIBC which will have a tremendous impact on the local blood supply," RI Blood Center Vice President Beau Tompkins said. "I am personally asking that everyone roll up their sleeves and come out to donate when safe so we can ensure there will be blood on the shelves for patients to receive lifesaving treatment."

Blood center officials said they are worried the cancellations will severely hurt the blood supply in the short-term. With school vacation next week, families will be going away, so the Rhode Island Blood Center is worried they may have two straight weeks of low donations.

RI Snow Totals So Far

Here are snow totals for Tuesday's storm in Rhode Island, according to the National Weather Service:

• Scituate, 10.5 inches as of 2:45 p.m.
• Foster, 10 inches as of 1 p.m.
• North Kingstown, 7 inches as of 1 p.m.
• Coventry, 6.8 inches as of 2:28 p.m.
• Providence, 5.8 inches as of 1 p.m.
• Portsmouth, 3.8 inches as of 1 p.m.
• Cumberland, 4 inches as of 1:49 p.m.
• Pawtucket, 3 inches as of 2:15 p.m.

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