CRANSTON, R.I. (WJAR) — Gov. Dan McKee urged drivers to stay off the roads Sunday as a winter storm bears down on Rhode Island and the region.

McKee led a briefing Saturday morning at the state's Emergency Management Agency headquarters in Cranston.

The governor said at least 12 inches of snow is expected across the state. The heaviest snow will fall from 2 p.m. and midnight, he said.

"Right during the time the Patriots are playing," McKee said.

He said people should avoid being on the roads during that time frame, unless travel is essential.

"It's a great day to stay home," McKee said.

McKee said the state's emergency operations center will be activated to monitor conditions on a real-time basis.

The governor said the Rhode Island Department of Transportation will manage more than 500 state and vendor snowplows. They have 60,000 tons of salt available, according to a release.

He said state roads have been pre-treated.

• STORM TEAM 10: Forecast

RIDOT Director Peter Alviti said the state plans to have roads cleared by the Monday morning rush hour, but any change in the timing of the storm could delay crews.

McKee said the Rhode Island State Police will have additional troopers on duty to monitor highways and help drivers.

The governor said he's coordinating with the governors of Massachusetts and Connecticut on any potential truck bans so they begin and end at the same time in all three states.

He said Rhode Island Energy has additional power restoration and tree crews on standby.

• LINK: Emergency shelters and warming centers

Many Rhode Islanders say they plan to stay in during the storm, with last minute shoppers hitting the stores to grab food and supplies.

"We had a few confrontations," shopper Owen Morrissey said. "A lot of people were just, all carts everywhere, everyone was running around."

McKee said people can call 211 for questions about available shelters.

The governor emphasized the biggest thing you can do is stay home if you can, avoid unnecessary travel during the heaviest snow, and give plows room to work safely.

"We've gone through this these before, where we're Rhode Island, and we've had storms before, and we know that the complications come with with travel that is unnecessary travel, and that gets in the way of the plowing," he said.

The governor said the state's adverse weather policy, which applies to state workers, will be in place from 3 p.m. Sunday to 10 a.m. Monday.