Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snow!!!

"Snow is one thing but over the next month or so we will be having a bigger problem on our hands, the melting snow, especially in our low laying areas. We are going to be dealing with serious flooding everywhere,"”

Mayor Tom Rose

"I do want to take a moment to thank our East Providence DPW for their amazing snow removal job to date."”

Mayor Tom Rose

The EP Reporter drove around The City of East Providence today (Monday, February 16th) as we did during the first big blizzard. Once again all main streets were down to pavement with most side streets very passable.

The problem remains blowing and drifting snow causing plows to re-plow problem areas several times. A big concern continues to be the high piles of snow at the corners of most streets, making for difficult navigation when turning or entering busy streets. Most sidewalks are difficult to walk on and people are forced to walk in the street. Complaints from residents, however, seem to be at a minimum as the city plow drivers continue to clear neighborhood streets.

Mayor Tom Rose has cautioned that the city will soon be dealing with the large amount of melting snow that is expected soon. "Snow is one thing but over the next month or so we will be having a bigger problem on our hands, the melting snow, especially in our low laying areas. We are going to be dealing with serious flooding everywhere," said Mayor Rose. "I do want to take a moment to thank our East Providence DPW for their amazing snow removal job to date."

The City of East Providence new web site also had a message for residents. "As we endure this latest blizzard, please be aware that these are very dangerous conditions and time outdoors should be kept to a minimum. Please remember neighbors and loved ones who may be home alone, a quick phone call to check on someone may make a difference," said the City posting.

The school vacation week, this Monday through Friday, has come at a good time. With city schools closed, the DPW can concentrate on clearing snow from city streets and some sidewalks and finish school lots toward the end of the week. The Reporter did check on several school sites today and most weren't in bad shape. The city still has a lot of school related plowing to do before schools are totally passable, but the vacation week should help officials in this total blizzard response.

However, as of this writing on Monday afternoon, the region is bracing for yet another snow storm which is calling for an additional 2 to 5 inches of snow on Tuesday, February 17th. on top of the new 8"received this past weekend. All of this was in addition to the roughly 20" from before. And if that isn't enough to rattle the sleep habits of plow drivers, another snowfall is predicted for this coming weekend. Stay tuned.