The much-anticipated first winter storm of the season arrived in Rhode Island early Friday afternoon as snow overspread the area. Most schools were closed for the day and businesses were urged to let employees leave early on a staggered basis in hopes of avoiding traffic gridlock in the metropolitan Providence area. In addition to local road crews, the state Department of Transportation had a fleet of more than 500 trucks deployed to keep highways passable.

The snow was expected to accumulate quickly at a rate of one-to-two inches per hour. The National Weather Service forecast snowfall totals of eight to 12 inches by midnight. Officials cautioned that road conditions would be "treacherous" by evening. Forecasters also warned motorists would have to contend with high winds, which would cause blowing and drifting snow, resulting in poor visibility.