National Weather ServiceRhode IslandFlash Flood WarningArchive to October 1, 2026
Flash Flood Warnings in Rhode Island
The National Weather Service issued 4 flash flood warnings for Rhode Island in 2025 and 5 a year on average in 2008-2025; in 2021-2025 it had the 51st most of any state. 2026 through September: 7, 45% above the average of 5 for those months in 2008-2025. Providence was covered most often (65 times since 2008).
How many flash flood warnings does Rhode Island get?
Every flash flood warning that covered part of Rhode Island. 2026 is an outline: the year is not over.
The numbers
| Year | Count |
|---|---|
| 2026 (through September) | 7 |
| 2025 | 4 |
| 2024 | 5 |
| 2023 | 16 |
| 2022 | 4 |
| 2021 | 6 |
| 2020 | 4 |
| 2019 | 2 |
| 2018 | 5 |
| 2017 | 6 |
| 2016 | 3 |
| 2015 | 5 |
| 2014 | 9 |
| 2013 | 5 |
| 2012 | 7 |
| 2011 | 1 |
| 2010 | 1 |
| 2009 | 2 |
| 2008 | 4 |
Source: Iowa Environmental Mesonet archive of National Weather Service watches, warnings and advisories (VTEC); National Weather Service. Data as of October 1, 2026.
When in the year does Rhode Island get them?
Sum of 2008-2025; the busiest month is labelled.
Source: Iowa Environmental Mesonet archive of National Weather Service watches, warnings and advisories (VTEC); National Weather Service. Data as of October 1, 2026.
Where in Rhode Island?
| County or forecast zone | Since 2008 | Since 2023 | Last issued |
|---|---|---|---|
| Providence | 65 | 18 | September 13, 2026 |
| Kent | 46 | 10 | September 13, 2026 |
| Bristol | 41 | 17 | September 13, 2026 |
| Newport | 39 | 16 | September 26, 2026 |
| Washington | 30 | 9 | September 13, 2026 |
The NWS issues these products for counties or forecast zones; a zone can be part of a county or a mountain range.
Source: Iowa Environmental Mesonet archive of National Weather Service watches, warnings and advisories (VTEC); National Weather Service. Data as of October 1, 2026.
The latest flash flood warnings for Rhode Island in AreaZine's record
NWS Boston/NortonWarningSeptember 26, 2026
Flash Flood Warning: Bristol, Plymouth and Newport, MA and RI
Expired 6:45 p.m. EDT, September 26, 2026
NWS Boston/NortonWarningSeptember 13, 2026
Flash Flood Warning: Bristol, Bristol, Kent and 3 more, MA and RI
Expired 1:45 p.m. EDT, September 13, 2026
NWS Boston/NortonWarningAugust 3, 2026
Flash Flood Warning: Bristol, Plymouth, Bristol and 1 more, MA and RI
Expired 3:00 p.m. EDT, August 3, 2026
NWS Boston/NortonWarningAugust 3, 2026
Flash Flood Warning: Bristol, Bristol, Kent and 2 more, MA and RI
Expired 11:45 a.m. EDT, August 3, 2026
NWS Boston/NortonWarningJuly 30, 2026
Flash Flood Warning: Washington County, RI
Expired 11:45 a.m. EDT, July 30, 2026
NWS Boston/NortonWarningJuly 21, 2026
Flash Flood Warning: Bristol, Plymouth, Bristol and 2 more, MA and RI
Expired 10:45 p.m. EDT, July 21, 2026
NWS Boston/NortonWarningJune 23, 2026
Flash Flood Warning: Bristol, Plymouth and Newport, MA and RI
Expired 8:15 a.m. EDT, June 23, 2026
This list is AreaZine's record of the NWS alert feed, kept since April 6, 2026; the counts above come from the complete IEM archive.
Source: National Weather Service alerts (api.weather.gov).
What is a flash flood warning?
A flash flood warning means flash flooding is happening or about to happen: water rising fast in streams, streets or dry washes, usually within six hours of heavy rain or a dam or levee failure. A warning means the hazard is happening, about to happen, or very likely: act now to protect people and property. The national record · Every warning type in Rhode Island.