Coastal Storm Could Bring Light Snow To Rhode Island

NEWPORT, RI — A coastal storm is expected to sweep along the New England coast Monday, bringing a light coating of snow to much of the state.

Most inland areas of Rhode Island will see a coating to less than an inch of snow accumulation. Measurable snowfall is possible along the southern coast and East Bay, with one to two inches possible from Newport to Charlestown. Block Island is expected to have the greatest accumulation of two to three inches.

The Cape and island are expected to bear the brunt of the winter storm. Up to half a foot of accumulation is possible on Nantucket, with three to four inches possible on Martha's Vineyard and in town along the southern edge of Cape Cod, including Hyannis and Chatham.

The National Weather Service called the storm a "challenging forecast" due to "a very sharp cutoff in snow totals from south to north.

The first flakes are expected to arrive by early afternoon, with the heaviest snowfall coming later in the day and into evening hours.

Here's a look at the latest forecast for inland Rhode Island from the NWS.

Monday
A chance of snow, mainly between 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. Cloudy, with a high near 31. North wind 11 to 14 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30 percent. Total daytime snow accumulation of less than a half inch possible.

Monday Night
Cloudy during the early evening, then gradual clearing, with a low around 18. North wind 7 to 13 mph.

Tuesday
Sunny, with a high near 35. Northwest wind around 6 mph becoming southwest in the afternoon.

Tuesday Night
Partly cloudy, with a low around 27. Southwest wind around 6 mph.

Wednesday
Rain likely, mainly between 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. Cloudy, with a high near 50. South wind 6 to 14 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60 percent.

Wednesday Night
A chance of rain, mainly before 1 a.m. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 35. Southwest wind 8 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 22 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40 percent.

Thursday
Partly sunny, with a high near 41. West wind 7 to 11 mph.

Thursday Night
Snow likely, mainly after midnight. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 28. West wind around 5 mph becoming light and variable. Chance of precipitation is 60 percent.

Friday
Rain and snow likely before 11 a.m., then a chance of rain between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 39. North wind 6 to 14 mph becoming west in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 60 percent.

Friday Night
Mostly clear, with a low around 19. West wind 11 to 13 mph.