PORTSMOUTH — All public schools, Town Hall and the Hedly Street and Prudence Island transfer stations will be closed on Thursday, Jan. 4, due to the impending winter storm.

Also closed Thursday:

• Pennfield School

• St. Philomena School

• Aquidneck Island Christian Academy

• Bradley School

• Countryside Children's Center

• Portsmouth Free Public Library.

• Portsmouth Senior Center (no elderly meals and no exercise class)

• St. Barnabas Church (no 9 a.m. Mass, office closed)

• St. Mary’s Church

A parking ban is in effect from midnight Wednesday to noon on Friday, Jan. 5.

Town officials are cautioning residents to be safe and not to travel on Thursday unless it’s absolutely necessary.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has issued a blizzard warning for our area from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday. 

Total snow accumulations of 9 to 12 inches, with localized amounts up to 14 inches, are expected.

Travel will be dangerous and damage to trees and power lines is possible, according to NOAA. 

Winds gusting as high as 60 mph will cause whiteout conditions in blowing snow, NOAA says. Scattered to widespread power outages are anticipated.

If you must travel, have a winter survival kit with you, NOAA advises. If you get stranded, stay with your vehicle. 

The latest road conditions for the state you are calling from can be obtained by dialing 511.

The Regional Emergency Shelter serving Newport, Middletown and Portsmouth at the JH Gaudet Middle School, 1113 Aquidneck Ave., Middletown, will be open to the public on Thursday when the roads are deemed safe by local law enforcement officials.

For more local updates, check the Portsmouth Emergency Management Agency's Facebook page.