CRANSTON, RI – A powerful nor'easter swept through Rhode Island this week, dumping 18 inches of snow on Cranston over a 24-hour period and testing the city's emergency response capabilities. Despite the storm's intensity, the Cranston Department of Public Works received widespread praise for its rapid response, with most major roads cleared within hours of the snowfall ending.

The storm arrived on schedule Monday evening and intensified overnight, producing heavy, wet snow that downed power lines and tree branches across the city. At the height of the storm, approximately 8,500 Cranston residents were without power, with National Grid crews working around the clock to restore service.

"Our public works crews were out before the first flake fell, and they didn't stop until every street was passable," Mayor Hopkins said at a press conference Tuesday afternoon. "I'm incredibly proud of the dedication and professionalism of our city employees."

The city deployed 24 plow trucks and 12 sand/salt spreaders to keep roads clear, with crews working 12-hour shifts throughout the storm. The Department of Public Works had pre-treated major roads with brine solution before the storm began, which helped prevent ice from bonding to the pavement and made plowing more effective.

Schools were closed Monday and Tuesday, with Cranston Public Schools superintendent Jeannine Nota-Masse announcing the closures Sunday evening to give families time to make childcare arrangements.

Emergency services responded to dozens of calls during the storm, including several accidents on icy roads and medical emergencies. Fortunately, no storm-related fatalities were reported in Cranston.

The storm also provided an opportunity for community members to look out for one another. Neighbors helped elderly residents shovel driveways, and several local businesses donated hot meals to public works crews working through the night.

"This is what Cranston does," said longtime resident Patricia Callahan. "When things get tough, we come together."