PROVIDENCE, R.I. — Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee announced a statewide travel ban for all motor vehicles effective Sunday evening, February 22, 2026, at 7 p.m., as a powerful blizzard bears down on the region. The measure aims to ensure the safety of snowplow operators and first responders amid forecasts of more than 20 inches of snow across the state. In a statement, McKee emphasized the urgency of the situation, saying, "Once the snow starts, our plows need to be able to operate safely." He urged residents to stay off the roads once the ban takes effect, adding, "Let's make sure that we respect their space to clear the roads − and our first responders, the same thing. Do not drive once the travel ban goes into effect."
The executive order, issued by McKee's office, specifies restrictions on all roads statewide until further notice. Exemptions are provided for vehicles transporting emergency supplies or personnel, though even those are barred from crossing the Newport Pell Bridge and Jamestown-Verrazzano Bridge during their closure. Alongside the travel ban, the Rhode Island Turnpike and Bridge Authority has ordered the shutdown of four critical bridges starting at the same time: the Jamestown-Verrazzano Bridge, Mount Hope Bridge, Newport Pell Bridge, and Sakonnet River Bridge. These closures are intended to prevent hazardous travel over exposed waterways where high winds and accumulating snow could create dangerous conditions.
According to the official language of the executive order, "Beginning on Sunday, February 22, 2026, at 7 p.m., there shall be a restriction on all motor vehicle travel on all roads statewide. These restrictions shall be in effect until further notice. Vehicles transporting emergency supplies and/or emergency personnel shall be exempt from these restrictions. Vehicles permitted to travel under these exceptions will not be permitted to travel over the Newport and Jamestown Bridges when the bridges are closed." This wording leaves little room for interpretation, applying broadly to ensure unobstructed access for essential services.
While the current order does not explicitly detail penalties, Rhode Island officials have previously indicated that violating a travel ban can constitute a misdemeanor under state law. In past winter storms, such as the nor'easters that battered the Northeast in recent years, enforcement has involved fines and vehicle impoundments for non-compliant drivers. Local police departments across the state are preparing to monitor compliance, with increased patrols expected in urban areas like Providence and coastal communities like Newport.
The impending blizzard, part of a larger storm system tracking up the Eastern Seaboard, is expected to bring heavy snowfall rates of up to two inches per hour in some areas, accompanied by winds gusting over 50 miles per hour. Meteorologists from the National Weather Service have warned of whiteout conditions, particularly along the coast, where the combination of snow and wind could lead to widespread power outages. Rhode Island's emergency management officials have been coordinating with neighboring states, including Connecticut and Massachusetts, which may issue similar restrictions as the storm progresses.
Governor McKee's decision comes in the context of Rhode Island's history with severe winter weather. The state, with its compact size and dense population centers, has frequently resorted to travel bans during major snow events to mitigate risks. For instance, during the 2013 blizzard that dumped over 24 inches on parts of the state, a similar ban was enforced, allowing plows to clear major arteries like Interstate 95 without interference. That event led to school closures, flight cancellations at T.F. Green Airport, and significant economic disruptions for businesses reliant on daily commuters.
Residents in Rhode Island have mixed reactions to the ban, though sources close to the governor's office report broad support for the precautionary measure. One Providence resident, speaking on condition of anonymity, expressed frustration over last-minute preparations, saying, "I just stocked up on groceries, but now I'm stuck at home for who knows how long." Others, particularly in rural areas like Westerly and South County, appreciate the focus on safety, noting that past storms have stranded vehicles and complicated rescue efforts.
The closure of the bridges will have ripple effects on Aquidneck Island communities, including Newport and Middletown, where access is limited to these spans. Ferry services have already been suspended, and the Rhode Island Public Transit Authority has halted bus routes in anticipation of the storm. Officials advise island residents to prepare for potential isolation, with supplies of food, water, and medications recommended for at least 72 hours.
"Beginning on Sunday, February 22, 2026, at 7 p.m., there shall be a restriction on all motor vehicle travel on all roads statewide. These restrictions shall be in effect until further notice. Vehicles transporting emergency supplies and/or emergency personnel shall be exempt from these restrictions. Vehicles permitted to travel under these exceptions will not be permitted to travel over the Newport and Jamestown Bridges when the bridges are closed," the order stated.
Beyond immediate travel restrictions, the state has activated its emergency operations center in Cranston, where teams are monitoring road conditions, power grids, and shelter availability. The Rhode Island Department of Transportation reports that salt trucks and plows are pre-positioned along key routes, but visibility and accumulation will dictate the pace of clearing operations. In a press briefing earlier today, McKee highlighted the collaborative effort, noting, "Our first responders are ready, but they can't do their jobs if the roads are clogged with unnecessary traffic."
Economically, the ban could impact sectors like retail and hospitality, especially in tourist-heavy areas. Hotels in Newport have reported a surge in cancellations, while supermarkets in Providence saw long lines as shoppers rushed to buy essentials before the 7 p.m. cutoff. The storm's timing on a Sunday evening exacerbates concerns, as it coincides with the end of the weekend and the approach of the workweek, potentially delaying commutes into Monday.
Looking ahead, the travel ban will remain in place until officials deem conditions safe, likely extending into Monday or longer depending on snowfall totals. Forecasts suggest the heaviest bands will hit between midnight and dawn, with lighter flurries persisting through the week. Neighboring states are watching closely; Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont has indicated possible similar actions, while Massachusetts has already declared a state of emergency.
Rhode Island's vulnerability to such storms underscores ongoing discussions about infrastructure resilience. Recent investments in snow removal equipment and bridge maintenance have been credited with improving response times, but critics argue more needs to be done to address coastal erosion and power reliability. As the blizzard unfolds, state leaders will assess the effectiveness of this ban in real time, potentially adjusting exemptions for critical workers like healthcare staff.
In the broader context of climate patterns, this storm fits into a trend of increasingly intense winter events in the Northeast. Data from the Northeast Regional Climate Center shows that Rhode Island has experienced above-average snowfall in four of the last five winters, prompting calls for updated emergency protocols. For now, however, the focus remains on immediate safety, with McKee's office urging all residents to heed the warnings and stay indoors.
As Rhode Island braces for the onslaught, the travel ban serves as a stark reminder of nature's power in a densely populated state. With bridges closed and roads off-limits, the coming hours will test the preparedness of communities from Providence to Westerly. Officials promise updates via local media and the state's emergency alert system, encouraging residents to monitor channels like the Rhode Island Broadcasters Association for the latest developments.