Rhode Island Blizzard 2026: Snow Totals Break 1978 Record

February 23, 2026 – The ongoing blizzard battering the northeastern United States has broken snowfall records in Rhode Island, surpassing totals set during the infamous Blizzard of 1978. The storm, which began on Sunday, February 23rd, has brought transportation to a standstill and left nearly 40,000 homes and businesses without power across the state.

While the Blizzard of ’78 was long considered the benchmark for severe winter storms in the region, dropping 28.6 inches of snow on Providence over two days, several locations in Rhode Island have now exceeded that figure. According to preliminary data from the National Weather Service, Central Falls has recorded 31.3 inches of snowfall, while Glocester has seen 32.1 inches. Providence and North Kingstown are both reporting 33.5 inches and T.F. Green Airport in Warwick has measured 32.8 inches as of 2:00 PM EST on February 23rd.

The scale of the snowfall has prompted a statewide travel ban, and authorities have closed four key bridges – the Jamestown-Verrazzano Bridge, Mount Hope Bridge, Newport Pell Bridge, and the Sakonnet River Bridge – to ensure public safety. The Rhode Island Emergency Management Agency is urging residents to stay off the roads and conserve energy as crews work to clear pathways for emergency vehicles.

The National Weather Service’s forecast office in Norton, Massachusetts, is tracking the storm’s progress and providing updates on wind speeds and snowfall rates. Current conditions at Rhode Island T.F. Green International Airport show light snow, a temperature of 28°F (-2°C), and northwest winds gusting up to 25 mph. The wind chill is currently 17°F (-8°C), creating hazardous conditions for anyone exposed to the elements.

The impact of the blizzard extends beyond transportation and power outages. Providence officials have announced a two-day delay in trash pickup, prioritizing the clearing of emergency routes, hospital access roads, and major commercial corridors. Residential streets will be addressed once these critical areas are accessible. The city is emphasizing that all streets will eventually be plowed, but the process will take several days due to the volume of snow and continued drifting caused by strong winds.

The severity of the storm has prompted comparisons to the Blizzard of ’78, a historic event that paralyzed the northeastern United States. That storm, which struck in February 1978, caused widespread disruption and significant economic losses. The current blizzard, while sharing similarities in terms of snowfall totals, is unfolding under different meteorological conditions and with the benefit of improved forecasting and emergency preparedness measures.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) records indicate that prior to this storm, the snowiest single day ever recorded in the Providence area was January 8, 1996, with 19 inches of snowfall. The previous two-day snowfall record, now broken, stood at 28.6 inches from February 6-7, 1978.

Beyond Rhode Island, the broader region is bracing for continued winter weather. Blizzard warnings are in effect for parts of New York City, New Jersey, and Boston, with heavy snow and strong winds expected to create dangerous travel conditions. The New York Times is providing ongoing updates on the storm’s impact across the region.

Looking ahead, the forecast for Providence calls for mostly sunny skies on Tuesday, February 24th, with a high near 30°F. However, another chance of snow is predicted for Tuesday night. Wednesday is expected to bring a mix of rain and snow, with a high near 38°F, and a 90% chance of precipitation. The weather pattern remains unsettled, with continued chances of rain or snow throughout the remainder of the week.

The current blizzard serves as a stark reminder of the power of winter storms and the importance of preparedness. As recovery efforts get underway in Rhode Island, authorities are urging residents to exercise caution and heed all safety advisories.