February 26, 2026
Cranston recently experienced a historic winter storm, with more than 39 inches of snowfall across the city. High winds, white-out conditions, and drifting snow erased much of the early plowing completed during the height of the storm.
Although snowfall has stopped, snow operations are far from over. The most difficult and time consuming phase happens after the storm. Recovery on this scale is measured in days and, in some areas, weeks. Crews are working continuously to restore full access, safety, and mobility across all neighborhoods.
If the storm is over, why isn’t my street fully cleared curb to curb?
Snow operations occur in stages.
Stage One: During the storm, crews focus on keeping major roads and primary connectors open so police, fire, ambulances, and hospital access routes remain operational. With this level of snowfall and wind, simply maintaining passable lanes was a significant challenge and crews did their best to have at least one lane open on as many streets as possible.
Stage Two: Crews widen roads, clear intersections, cut back snowbanks, maintain school and bus routes, address icy hills, and improve access on residential streets. This phase requires repeated passes citywide and cannot be completed in a single visit.
Why is my street still narrow or down to one lane?
On many residential roads, the first goal is creating one safe travel lane. Widening requires additional passes and sometimes different equipment. Parked vehicles, narrow streets, packed snow turning to ice, snowbanks higher than plow blades, and limited snow storage areas can all delay full widening. Your street has not been forgotten. Crews must move systematically through the entire network before returning.
Why was a nearby street cleared before mine?
Snow removal is route based, not neighborhood based. Crews operate within assigned districts and may temporarily leave areas to refuel, address equipment issues, assist emergency responses, or be reassigned where heavy machinery is needed. The order may not appear logical from street level, but the system is designed to maximize overall efficiency citywide.
Why do parking bans matter after the storm?
The recovery phase is when parked cars cause the greatest delay. Vehicles left on the street prevent plows from reaching the curb, keeping streets narrow and making it difficult for emergency vehicles and trash trucks to navigate safely. Compliance with the parking ban is essential to restoring full access across Cranston.
Why did a plow pass once but not return yet?
The first pass makes a street passable. Subsequent passes widen and treat the roadway. Crews should complete full route cycles before returning. Seeing a plow once does not mean the job is finished, it means the process has begun. If you see a plow drive by and not come to your street, it is very likely because they were assigned to go somewhere else.
Why can’t crews respond to individual requests right away?
Snow removal should be coordinated, citywide operation. Diverting equipment for individual requests slows progress across hundreds of other streets. Supervisors watch conditions and redeploy crews strategically based on safety needs and operational flow.
Why does the plow keep pushing snow into my driveway?
When widening streets, snow must be moved from the travel lane to the curb line. Driveways naturally collect this snow because they are openings in the curb. Crews cannot stop at every driveway without halting progress citywide. Clearing a small area to the left side of your driveway (facing the street) can help reduce refill from future passes.
How long will full cleanup take?
With snowfall totals exceeding 39 inches, this is not a typical storm. Work continues into the night every day and includes widening streets, ice breaking and salting, clearing intersections, opening storm drains, snow hauling from tight areas, and treating refreeze conditions. Recovery will take multiple days and possibly longer in heavily impacted areas.
Why is trash pickup delayed?
Narrow roads prevent safe access for collection trucks. Temporarily delaying trash service allows snow removal equipment to operate more efficiently and prevents additional congestion. Purple overflow bags are available for purchase locally and the City will be giving out a limited number when they arrive from North Carolina. Look out for more information on social media and the main website page.
What about school bus routes and pedestrian safety?
Crews are working closely with school transportation officials to review bus routes and address hazards. Sidewalk clearing is required under City ordinance. Residents and businesses play an important role in making pedestrian travel safer.
What is the City doing for seniors and vulnerable residents?
Public safety and emergency services remain fully operational. During extreme weather, the City coordinates with State and local partners to support warming centers and conduct wellness outreach where needed. Residents are encouraged to check on elderly neighbors and those with medical conditions.
What can residents do to help speed recovery?
Observe the parking ban, avoid unnecessary travel, do not push snow back into the roadway, clear sidewalks and hydrants near your property, note that it is time consuming to meet individual requests and give plows space to operate safely.
What should I expect next?
Over the coming days, residents will see repeated activity on many streets. That means progress. Recovery is a process. Streets will continue to improve as widening, salting, and snow removal continue citywide.
Our Police, Fire, Public Works, dispatchers, private contractors, and support teams have been operating around the clock. The work intensifies after the snowfall ends. We appreciate the community’s patience and cooperation as we restore every neighborhood safely and methodically.
“One Cranston. One Heartbeat.” – Mayor Kenneth J. Hopkins