Bread shelves were sparse Sunday afternoon at Dave’s but Manager John Eddy said the store will be restocked Monday morning.

The Town of East Greenwich – employees and residents alike – spent Sunday preparing for the potentially huge storm due to hit Rhode Island Monday night.

The National Weather Service has issued a blizzard warning, in effect from 7 p.m. Monday to 1 a.m. Wednesday. Heavy snow, strong winds and blizzard conditions are anticipated, with strong winds and drifting snow. Snowfall is estimated at 20 to 30 inches, and it could fall 2 to 4 inches an hour at times, as well as whiteout conditions and visibility a quarter mile or less.

“We’ve been preparing most of the day – sand, salt, and manpower,” said Town Manager Tom Coyle.

At Dave’s Marketplace on Division Street Sunday, it was busier than Christmas, according to Manager John Eddy. Lines of shoppers pushing carts full of food filled the front of the store and employees were busy directing traffic.

Shoppers found long lines at Dave’s Marketplace Sunday.

And what were people buying? “Milk, bread, toilet paper, paper towels, snacks … ” Eddy said.

Here are recommendations from Governor Gina Raimondo’s office:

Everyone should have supplies for at least three days:

Some non-perishable food, bottled water
Flashlights and extra batteries
A portable radio in case of power outages
Freshly-stocked first-aid kit
Essential prescription medicines
Baby-care items
Extra blankets
A fire extinguisher
Sufficient heating fuel
Safety & Travel Preparedness:

• Snow will be very heavy and wet in some areas. When shoveling, remember to take frequent breaks to avoid overexertion. Keep fire hydrants clear of snow.
• Make sure that generators are operated away from the home and in a well ventilated area to avoid the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.
• Plan long trips carefully, listening to the news/media for the latest weather forecasts and road conditions.
• Make an emergency supply kit for your vehicle, in addition to the emergency supply kit for your home. Include a shovel, jumper cables, and a bag of sand.
• Travel during the day, and if possible, try to take someone along with you.
• Keep your gas tank full.
• Install good winter tires with adequate tread.
• Check your windshield wiper fluid.
• National Weather Service recommends that all boats should be in port by Noon on Monday

Winter storm may cause isolated power outages. Do NOT call 911 to report a power outage. Contact National Grid at 1-800-465-1212.

Serve Rhode Island is looking for volunteers to remove snow:

Serve Rhode Island is seeking volunteers to help remove one to two feet of snow after the storm of blizzard conditions forecasted for Monday and Tuesday.

Volunteers will be needed after the storm through Thursday to help elderly and disabled residents with snow removal.  Serve Rhode Island will coordinate requests from elderly and disabled residents and assign snow removal jobs as volunteers become available.

Volunteers can sign up online by going to Serve Rhode Island’s website or clicking this link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/SRI_SAFE-D

Residents who are elderly or disabled and who need snow removal assistance should call Serve Rhode Island at 401-331-2298 beginning Monday morning at 9:00 AM.  For all other needs, people should call United Way-2-1-1.

For more information, call Executive Director Bernie Beaudreau at (401) 529-6742.