Tornado History
Rhode Island Tornado History
This page summarizes tornado history for Rhode Island. The local dataset contains 20 tornado records from 1972 through 2024, with a strongest listed rating of F2 (Considerable damage) and at least $5.0M in reported property damage. The latest tornado record in this group is June 26, 2024. Across these records, NOAA lists 0 deaths and 24 injuries.
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Key Tornado Statistics
Key Tornado Facts for Rhode Island
Top local patterns from the historical tornado records in this group.
Average 0.4 tornadoes per year (0.9/yr in last decade)
August is the peak tornado month with 8 recorded events
Deadliest tornado: F0 in Rhode Island with 0 deaths
1986 was the most active year with 3 tornadoes
The 2020s had the most tornado activity (7 events)
Longest tornado: 9.1 miles in Rhode Island
Widest tornado: 1,000.0 yards in Rhode Island
Most tornadoes in one day: 3 on Nov 13, 2021
Monthly Distribution
Shows tornado frequency across months of the year, highlighting seasonal patterns and peak tornado periods.
Summary: In Rhode Island, August is the most active month with 8 tornadoes.
Annual Tornado Trend
Shows year-by-year tornado counts, making active years and quiet stretches easier to spot.
Summary: 1986 was the most active year with 3 recorded tornadoes.
Property Damage Trends
Visualizes reported property damage over time. Bars use a log-like scale so very large damage years do not flatten the rest of the chart.
Summary: The highest reported property damage year in this group is 1986 with at least $3.0M in NOAA-listed property damage.
Tornado Count By County
Compares the counties with the most tornado records in this state dataset.
Summary: Providence County has the highest count in this state group with 12 tornado records.
Historical Track Sketch
This map covers the wider location—not your exact property.Measure the closest recorded track to a street address in or near Rhode Island.
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Notable Tornado Records
The table highlights the strongest and most damaging records in this page's local dataset. Damage totals are NOAA-reported minimum estimates where available.
| Date | Rating | Area | Length | Width | Deaths | Injuries | Min. property damage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| August 7, 1986 | F2 | Providence, Rhode Island | 4 mi | 1000 yd | 0 | 20 | $2.5M |
| August 18, 2023 | EF2 | Providence, Rhode Island | 9.1 mi | 250 yd | 0 | 1 | $250K |
| October 23, 2018 | EF1 | Providence, Rhode Island | 1.5 mi | 250 yd | 0 | 0 | $1.0M |
| August 7, 1986 | F1 | Providence, Rhode Island | 0.5 mi | 100 yd | 0 | 0 | $250K |
| August 8, 1986 | F1 | Providence, Rhode Island | 6 mi | 1000 yd | 0 | 0 | $250K |
| October 18, 1990 | F1 | Kent, Rhode Island | 4.5 mi | 73 yd | 0 | 0 | $250K |
| November 13, 2021 | EF1 | Washington, Rhode Island | 1.1 mi | 100 yd | 0 | 0 | $50K |
| July 23, 2008 | EF1 | Bristol, Rhode Island | 2.97 mi | 40 yd | 0 | 0 | $45K |
| June 26, 2024 | EF1 | Providence, Rhode Island | 4.3 mi | 100 yd | 0 | 0 | $30K |
| September 13, 2023 | EF1 | Providence, Rhode Island | 0.21 mi | 70 yd | 0 | 0 | $20K |
| August 26, 1985 | F1 | Providence, Rhode Island | 1 mi | 100 yd | 0 | 0 | N/A |
| September 23, 1989 | F0 | Providence, Rhode Island | 0.2 mi | 40 yd | 0 | 3 | $250K |
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Top County Pages
Top Location Pages
- Coventry tornado history1
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Source And Limits
Data sourced from NOAA Storm Prediction Center and the NCEI Storm Events Database. TornadoTrace summarizes reported weather events for screening and research; it is not a damage assessment, inspection, or insurance determination. Coordinates and records can be approximate, incomplete, revised, or missing. No warranty of completeness or accuracy.