Spring Snow Forecast: RI Expecting 4 to 8 Inches

RHODE ISLAND—Winter's door seems to be determined to hit us on the way out.

Rhode Islanders are welcoming the first day of spring in 2016 on Sunday by taking stock of their snow shovels and preparing for the potential of a messy Monday commute thanks to a snowstorm that could bring 4 to 8 inches and scattered power outages.

The heavy, wet snow is expected to begin falling after sunset, according to the National Weather Service, with snowfall concentrated along southeaster Massachusetts and Rhode Island, including the Interstate 95 corridor.

Snow will be heavy at times, falling at close to an inch an hour and there is no question that the Monday commute will be impacted. Chances are school districts will cancel on Monday.

For the most up-to-date closigns and cancellations visit the Rhode Island Broadcasters' Closings and Cancellations page.

The forecast has see-sawed between a dusting to a blockbuster storm over the past week. On Saturday, it looked like Rhode Island would get a passing glance. By Sunday morning, the tables had turned yet again and the weather service activated a Winter Storm Warning for the entire state.

The highest amounts of snow will fall on the south coast and east along the Cape Cod Canal.

Snow might not stop falling until Monday afternoon.

Cities and towns across Rhode Island began issuing parking bans on Sunday morning in anticipation of the storm. This storm is just one of a handful of notable storms for Rhode Island this season, which means most local snow removal budgets and salt reserves are in decent shape.

On Friday, state Department of Transportation Director Peter Alviti said in an interview that the DOT is fully prepared for whatever Mother Nature brings, noting that plow crews are well rested.

Local meteorologist and Patch contributor Jim Laurie said that after cold temperatures in the 20s overnight Sunday, Monday will reach into the 40s and there's a possibility the snow will change over to rain before precipitation ends.

Whatever snow does fall, enjoy it while it lasts. Temperatures will be bumping up against the 60s by the end of the week.