Flash Freeze Likely In RI As Temperatures Plummet

RHODE ISLAND — Rhode Islanders woke up to see much of the blizzard's snow accumulation gone Friday morning, with temperatures in the 50s and steady rain. The wet streets are expected to become treacherous by early afternoon, however, as temperatures drop to the 20s in a flash freeze.

The National Weather Service issued a winter weather advisory until 7 p.m. The rain is expected to change over to freezing rain and sleet by 1 p.m., with temperatures falling to the high teens by evening. Wet surfaces, especially roads, are expected to become slippery, though the earlier rain made it nearly impossible for cities and towns to pretreat in advance.

"Today we’ll be monitoring temperatures and road conditions closely for an expected changeover to freezing rain and sleet, first in northwest RI and later along the south coast," the Rhode Island Department of Transportation said Friday morning. "We’ll be out in force applying salt as this change happens, but you may encounter slick roads."

Rapid drops in temperature can cause quick freezes, the NWS said, which can be a "sneaky" hazard for drivers. When driving, assume that any surface that appears to be wet is black ice. Go slowly, avoid using cruise control and leave extra space between vehicles.

Ahead of the hazardous conditions, schools across Rhode Island shifted to distance learning on Friday.

The colder temperatures are expected to remain throughout the weekend, with highs not expected to reach 30 degrees.