Major Nor'Easter Could Bring 18 Inches Of Snow To Rhode Island

RHODE ISLAND — A winter storm watch is in effect across Rhode Island ahead of a major nor'easter expected to hit the region this weekend. As the week progresses, the confidence in a significant winter weather event keeps growing, the National Weather Service said.

The latest forecast shows thick bands of heavy snow accumulation, with up to a foot across the western edge of the state and as much as 18 inches in the East Bay, southern coast and the central to eastern half of the state.

Wind gusts are expected to reach 60 mph, with hazardous road conditions likely at the storm's peak.

"This could be a huge snowstorm for New England," AccuWeather meteorologist Bernie Rayno said. AccuWeather is warning of the possibility of more than a foot of snow coming from the "bomb cyclone," a term used to describe a heavy pressure drop that fuels major storms.

There's still some uncertainty about the final snow totals and which areas will be hit hardest, depending on which way the storm tracks.

The first flakes aren't expected to arrive in Rhode Island until after 11 p.m. Friday, with the storm strengthening overnight. Expect the most snow accumulation during the day Saturday, tapering off by about 10 p.m.