Flights canceled, schools closed, employers stagger release times

Wednesday's snow storm on the East Coast is going to create dangerous conditions on the roads and emergency officials are warning those in the path of this big Nor 'easter to stay at home if at all possible. Many school closings have already been announced in NYC, Connecticut, Massachusetts and Rhode Island. There are also many businesses that are announcing closures as well as numerous flight cancellations. The height of the storm is due during peak travel hours on Wednesday.

According to the The Rhode Island Emergency Management Agency RIEMA, The first flakes will arrive in Boston around 8 AM with steady light snow by 10 AM and then the heavy snow band arriving around noon or 1 PM. The heavy snow band may have rates of 1 to 2 inches per hour. The snow should end in the Hartford area by 11 PM or midnight...and in the Boston/Providence areas by 2-3 AM. Closer to 4 or 5 AM on Cape Cod.

Flights Canceled: Many airlines have already started canceling flights in and out of the Northeast/East Coast area that will be affected by Wednesday's snow storm. Continental Airlines announced that it will suspend operations at its New York hub at Newark Liberty International Airport EWR on Wednesday, February 10, due to the severe winter weather conditions forecast. This will affect flights in other areas, including here in Rhode Island where there are direct flights from Providence PVD to Newark EWR daily. Contact your airline for updated flight information. Locally: TF Greene Airport, Rhode Island information
Logan Airport, Boston information

Many schools on the East Coast have already been canceled due to the anticipated snow storm. Some businesses are announcing shift closings and staggered release times. Find out about local business and school closings is by checking the listings provided on most major television and radio stations.You can also have specific business/school closings send via text message. In Rhode Island up for text alerts here.

With budgets under economic stress already, a major snow storm will deplete funds from many city and state budgets. Locally in Rhode Island, many communities such as Cranston will have to make cuts in other departments to cover the costs of the snow removal. Staying off the roads as much as possible will make clean-up of this storm faster and more economical.