UPDATE: Power Outages Begin Across RI; 7,600 Without Power in NK

UPDATE, 9:45 p.m.  Of the 13,000 National Grid customers in North Kingstown, more than 7,600 are without power as of 9:45 p.m. Across the state, almost 100,000 are powerless. In South County alone, 36,000 residents are without power.

Original posting, 7:45 p.m. With snowfall increasing and winds picking up, power outages are beginning to spring up across the state as Rhode Island gets hit with a blizzard.

According to National Grid's power outage map, more than 20,000 Rhode Islanders are without power. The bulk of that number comes from South County with 15,000 affected customers. In North Kingstown, 190 are without power.

National Grid urges customers to be patient while crews work to restore power. According to statements from National Grid, work will recommence once roadsways are clear and when the winds die down.

Report any power outages to National Grid at 1-800-465-1212.

Check here for any North Kingstown blizzard updates.