RI · State guide

Rhode Island emergency preparedness

FEMA's National Risk Index puts Rhode Island's expected annual loss from natural hazards at about $217 million, rated Very Low. The hazards with the largest expected losses are inland flooding, hurricanes and heat waves.

Weather alerts in Rhode Island right now

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National Weather Service data, updated Oct 22, 2026, 7:46 AM ET. Not an official warning: follow your local NWS office. All US alerts →

Rhode Island's biggest natural hazards

FEMA's expected annual loss for each hazard, in dollars a year, and FEMA's rating, from the National Risk Index (December 2025).

Inland floodingRelatively Low$153 million a yearHow to prepare →

HurricaneRelatively Low$20 million a yearHow to prepare →

Heat waveRelatively Low$10 million a yearHow to prepare →

Cold waveRelatively Low$8 million a yearHow to prepare →

EarthquakeVery Low$8 million a yearHow to prepare →

TornadoRelatively Low$5 million a yearHow to prepare →

Coastal floodingRelatively Low$5 million a yearHow to prepare →

LightningVery Low$3 million a yearHow to prepare →

Get ready for inland flooding, hurricanes, heat waves and cold waves

Inland floodingFlood preparedness: flood watch vs warning, what to do and how flood insurance worksGear: Sump pump battery backups · Fireproof document safes

HurricaneHurricane preparedness checklist: what to do before, during and after a stormGear: Generators · Water storage containers

Heat waveExtreme heat safety: heat exhaustion vs heat stroke and how to stay cool in a power outageGear: Battery-powered fans

Cold waveHow to stay warm without power in winter, safelyGear: Emergency blankets and sleeping bags · Hand warmers

Official help in Rhode Island

State emergency management: Emergency Management Agency
Turn on Wireless Emergency Alerts on your phone and sign up for your county's local alerts. Make a family plan.
More Rhode Island government services: USA.gov

Build a kit for your household

Ready.gov's checklist, sized to who lives with you, with extras for the hazards you face.

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Other states where inland flooding tops the list

Alabama Arizona Arkansas Colorado Connecticut Delaware District of Columbia Georgia

Seasonal checklists for Rhode Island

One calm email before the season's hazards arrive. No spam.

Sources (4)