What's actually likely where you live.

RI hazard profile

Primary hazards. Ranked.

Narragansett Bay funnels Atlantic hurricane surge directly into Providence — the 1938 New England Hurricane produced a 17-foot surge in Providence harbor and killed 262 Rhode Islanders. Sandy (2012) caused significant coastal damage even without a direct hit. The entire southern coastline from Watch Hill to Sakonnet Point faces direct surge exposure. Barrier beach communities (Misquamicut, Matunuck) are among the most vulnerable in New England. Rhode Island's Atlantic exposure makes nor'easters devastating — they combine heavy snow, coastal flooding, and hurricane-force winds. The February 2013 Nemo blizzard dropped 40 inches near Woonsocket. The January 2018 nor'easter caused significant coastal flooding along the South County and Narragansett Bay shores. Tidal flooding without storms is increasingly frequent in low-lying coastal areas. The Blackstone, Pawtuxet, and Pawcatuck rivers flood regularly. The March 2010 flood was Rhode Island's worst in decades — the Pawtuxet River reached record levels, flooding Cranston and Warwick. The smaller state means flooding affects a larger proportion of the population than elsewhere. Urban Providence flooding from combined sewer overflow is a recurring problem.

Insurance gaps

What your homeowner's policy doesn't cover.