Prov. EMA stands by school cancellation

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) - Some communities, like Cranston and Providence canceled school Thursday due to the bitter cold temperatures. Others say it was because of the cold and the snow combined.

But, as of early Thursday afternoon Rhode Island hasn't seen any snow. Now, some of those communities who canceled school are blaming the forecast.

Parents who spoke to Eyewitness News are wondering why they scrambled to find last-minute daycare when there isn't a flake on the road.

Meanwhile, Providence Emergency Management Agency stands by the city's decision to cancel school, saying the capital is not alone in canceling school.

"You base those decisions based on the information that you have at the time. I think all of the communities looked at the information and the forecast, looked at the cold, and made a similar decision," Peter Gaynor of PEMA.

Gaynor also says "the forecast is a prediction. And this time, the prediction was not as forecast."

The city of Providence and other cities rely on the National Weather Service and Ocean State Weather Service for forecasts.

Meanwhile, if you are having problems keeping warm during this deep freeze at home, the United Way wants to help.

You can dial 211 to get some assistance.