National Weather ServiceRhode IslandHigh Wind WatchArchive to October 1, 2026
High Wind Watches in Rhode Island
The National Weather Service issued 3 high wind watches for Rhode Island in 2025 and 4 a year on average in 2008-2025; in 2021-2025 it had the 31st most of any state. 2026 through September: 3, 54% above the average of 2 for those months in 2008-2025. Block Island was covered most often (70 times since 2008).
How many high wind watches does Rhode Island get?
Every high wind watch that covered part of Rhode Island. 2026 is an outline: the year is not over.
The numbers
| Year | Count |
|---|---|
| 2026 (through September) | 3 |
| 2025 | 3 |
| 2024 | 4 |
| 2023 | 2 |
| 2022 | 2 |
| 2021 | 2 |
| 2020 | 4 |
| 2019 | 4 |
| 2018 | 6 |
| 2017 | 5 |
| 2016 | 6 |
| 2015 | 1 |
| 2014 | 4 |
| 2013 | 5 |
| 2012 | 7 |
| 2011 | 2 |
| 2010 | 4 |
| 2009 | 4 |
| 2008 | 3 |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Block Island | 70 | 12 | September 25, 2026 |
| Newport | 54 | 9 | September 25, 2026 |
| Washington | 53 | 9 | September 25, 2026 |
| Bristol | 45 | 8 | September 25, 2026 |
| Eastern Kent | 40 | 7 | March 16, 2026 |
| Southeast Providence | 39 | 6 | March 16, 2026 |
| Western Kent | 36 | 6 | March 16, 2026 |
| Northwest Providence | 31 | 6 | March 16, 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 high wind watch?
A high wind watch means winds reaching high wind warning values are possible. 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.