The Middletown Emergency Management Team urge residents to prepare for Winter Storm Nemo as if they will be stuck at home for three days. Officials report Middletown has not experienced a winter storm of this potential magnitude in a long time.

National Weather Service is predicting the arrival of an historic winter storm in Rhode Island on Friday and continuing into early Saturday morning. Rhode Islanders can expect snow to start Friday morning and become heavier Friday afternoon and evening. Snow accumulation totals could be as much as 18 - 24 inches. Wind speeds are predicted to be 25 – 35 mph with gusts of 50 – 60 mph

On Thursday morning the National Weather Service upgraded the winter storm watch to a blizzard watch. 

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“The combination of several inches of snow and heavy winds increases the possibility of power outages,” said RIEMA Executive Director Theresa C. Murray.

Preparation checklist provided by the Town of Middletown:

1. Prepare your family and your home. Top of your vehicles with fuel.
2. Ensure, if you have them, that generators are fueled and ready to go.
3. Secure items outside the house, including flags
4. Make sure shovels are handy and your snowblowers are ready.
5. Make sure you have enough bottled water for drinking and non-potable water for bathing and bathroom needs.
6. Check in on your neighbors. If you go to the store, see if any elderly or "shut-ins" need any supplies that they couldn't travel to the store for on their own.
7. Flashlights, batteries are ready. Try to avoid using candles.
8. Wood for stoves should be under cover and close to your home.
9. When shoveling paths or driveways: work in shifts. Don't try to move everything all at once.
10. If you need help and dial 911, remember it will take time to get to you. Be patient
11. Please do not tailgate our plows and sanders! They will have a considerable amount of work, if this storm presents as the worst case scenario.
12. If you are on the roads, use extreme caution! Side roads and intersections may be impeded by snow. Others may not see you. Consider staying at home Friday and Saturday.

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