RI Weather: Whiteout Friday Afternoon, Coastal Storm Monday?

NARRAGANSETT, RI— If Daylight Saving Time starts Sunday, isn't Spring almost here? For another illustration of why almost doesn't count, here's the forecast for this afternoon. The commute home could be tricky Friday afternoon with snow squalls in the forecast statewide. After a calm weekend, the weather goes straight downhill. Monday brings the chance of another snowfall. This time, it's the coast that's expected to see the biggest accumulating snowfall.

The National Weather Service issued a special weather statement, including all Rhode Island, for the snow squalls, which come on suddenly. Drivers, in particular, should be on alert for slippery roads and less than a mile visibility. There could be "near" whiteout conditions, too.

Special Weather Statement

SPECIAL WEATHER STATEMENT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE Taunton MA
826 AM EST FRI MAR 9 2018

...Snow squalls are possible over Southern New England today...

At 825 AM EST...snow squalls were observed on radar passing
Nantucket and crossing near Woonsocket Rhode Island. Additional snow
squalls will be possible this afternoon and evening.

Visibility may lower to two miles in any snow showers that form, and
could suddenly drop to less than one mile in squalls. This would
cause hazardous driving conditions as roads become slippery.

Drivers need to remain alert. These conditions often lead to
accidents, especially on highways, since road conditions can change
rapidly. Be alert to changing visibility when driving. Avoid braking
suddenly. Allow extra travel time.

Then for this afternoon and for Monday, the weather service has issued a Hazardous Weather Outlook

Hazardous Weather Outlook

.DAY ONE...Today and Tonight.

There will be scattered snow showers and even a few snow squalls
this afternoon. The snow could fall heavily for a short time over
localized areas creating near white-out conditions at times.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Saturday through Thursday.

Centered around Monday night...

A passing offshore storm has the potential of bringing accumulating
snow to portions of Southern New England, especially closer to the
coast.

Information Courtesy National Weather Service