National Weather ServiceRhode IslandFlood WatchArchive to October 1, 2026
Flood Watches in Rhode Island
The National Weather Service issued 2 flood watches for Rhode Island in 2025 and 5 a year on average in 2008-2025; in 2021-2025 it had the 48th most of any state. 2026 through September: 5, 36% above the average of 4 for those months in 2008-2025. Western Kent was covered most often (86 times since 2008).
How many flood watches does Rhode Island get?
Every flood watch that covered part of Rhode Island. 2026 is an outline: the year is not over.
The numbers
| Year | Count |
|---|---|
| 2026 (through September) | 5 |
| 2025 | 2 |
| 2024 | 14 |
| 2023 | 15 |
| 2022 | 2 |
| 2021 | 2 |
| 2020 | 1 |
| 2019 | 7 |
| 2018 | 8 |
| 2017 | 3 |
| 2016 | 0 |
| 2015 | 2 |
| 2014 | 5 |
| 2013 | 5 |
| 2012 | 1 |
| 2011 | 8 |
| 2010 | 5 |
| 2009 | 3 |
| 2008 | 6 |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Western Kent | 86 | 31 | September 26, 2026 |
| Southeast Providence | 85 | 32 | September 26, 2026 |
| Northwest Providence | 85 | 32 | September 26, 2026 |
| Eastern Kent | 85 | 31 | September 26, 2026 |
| Washington | 83 | 29 | September 26, 2026 |
| Newport | 77 | 28 | September 26, 2026 |
| Bristol | 75 | 27 | September 26, 2026 |
| Block Island | 20 | 5 | September 26, 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.
What is a flood watch?
A flood watch means conditions may lead to flooding in the coming day or days; it is not yet happening. A watch means the conditions for the hazard are possible or favourable, but it is not yet happening: be ready to act if a warning follows. The national record · Every warning type in Rhode Island.