Early Changeover To Sleet Means Little Snow, Slicks Roads In RI

RHODE ISLAND — An early morning changeover to sleet meant Rhode Island isn't seeing too much snow accumulation from Friday's winter storm, but that doesn't mean there haven't been significant impacts. Quickly falling precipitation led to dangerously icy roads throughout the morning commute, leading to a slew of crashes and vehicle spinouts throughout the state.

The latest forecast from the National Weather Service predicted less than an inch of additional snowfall in Rhode Island throughout the day Friday. The sleet and freezing rain is expected to continue throughout the afternoon before potentially changing back over to snow to end the day. Precipitation is to fully taper off by about 10 p.m.

The Rhode Island Department of Transportation reported numerous crashes throughout the morning on highways across the state, while city and towns leaders encouraged residents to stay home if possible and go slow if it's necessary to be on the road.

Cities and towns across the state declared parking bans, delayed trash pickup and canceled community events Friday.