National Weather ServiceRhode IslandWinter Storm WarningArchive to October 1, 2026
Winter Storm Warnings in Rhode Island
The National Weather Service issued 2 winter storm warnings for Rhode Island in 2025 and 4 a year on average in 2008-2025; in 2021-2025 it had the 46th most of any state. 2026 through September: 1, 69% below the average of 3 for those months in 2008-2025. Northwest Providence was covered most often (66 times since 2008).
How many winter storm warnings does Rhode Island get?
Every winter storm warning that covered part of Rhode Island. 2026 is an outline: the year is not over.
The numbers
| Year | Count |
|---|---|
| 2026 (through September) | 1 |
| 2025 | 2 |
| 2024 | 2 |
| 2023 | 2 |
| 2022 | 3 |
| 2021 | 2 |
| 2020 | 2 |
| 2019 | 2 |
| 2018 | 7 |
| 2017 | 6 |
| 2016 | 5 |
| 2015 | 7 |
| 2014 | 6 |
| 2013 | 4 |
| 2012 | 2 |
| 2011 | 7 |
| 2010 | 2 |
| 2009 | 6 |
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Northwest Providence | 66 | 7 | January 25, 2026 |
| Southeast Providence | 58 | 5 | January 25, 2026 |
| Western Kent | 58 | 4 | January 25, 2026 |
| Eastern Kent | 55 | 4 | January 25, 2026 |
| Washington | 49 | 4 | January 25, 2026 |
| Bristol | 48 | 3 | January 25, 2026 |
| Newport | 45 | 3 | January 25, 2026 |
| Block Island | 29 | 2 | January 25, 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 winter storm warning?
A winter storm warning means significant snow, sleet or freezing rain is expected that will make travel very difficult or impossible. Each office sets the amounts for its area. 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.