Enter any address in Bristol County, Rhode Island to see its FEMA flood zone
Flash flooding from heavy rainfall events is a significant flood character in Bristol County, RI. Recent examples include localized flash flooding in September 2023 and more widespread river flooding in January 2024, where 2 to 5 inches of rain contributed to rivers reaching major flood stages.
The National Flood Insurance Program data indicates that properties in Zone A have experienced the most claims, with an average payout of $6,468 and an average water depth of 2.5 feet. Properties in Zone X also see substantial claims. Coastal properties, particularly those in Zone V, and homes located in areas prone to river overflow or flash flooding should pay close attention to flood risk.
Summary generated from NOAA storm narratives and NFIP claim data for this county. Not predictive.
13 NOAA storm reports from this county describe what happened, in the words of the meteorologists who were there.
Bristol County, Rhode Island has recorded 33 flood-related events since 1996 according to NOAA's Storm Events Database, including 8 flash floods and 14 river or area floods. The county has received 20 federal disaster declarations. Enter any address above to check its FEMA flood zone designation.
FEMA Disaster Declarations (1978–2022)
Source: OpenFEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries.
| Declaration | Type | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Severe Winter Storm And Snowstorm | Snowstorm | Jan 28, 2022 |
| Hurricane Henri | Hurricane | Aug 20, 2021 |
| Covid-19 | Biological | Jan 20, 2020 |
| Covid-19 Pandemic | Biological | Jan 20, 2020 |
| Severe Winter Storm And Snowstorm | Severe Storm | Jan 26, 2015 |
| Severe Winter Storm And Snowstorm | Severe Storm | Feb 8, 2013 |
| Hurricane Sandy | Hurricane | Oct 26, 2012 |
| Tropical Storm Irene | Hurricane | Aug 27, 2011 |
| Hurricane Irene | Hurricane | Aug 26, 2011 |
| Severe Storms And Flooding | Severe Storm | Mar 12, 2010 |
NOAA Storm Events Database (1996–2025)
Source: NOAA National Weather Service Storm Events Database.
| Type | Date | Damage |
|---|---|---|
| Flash Flood | Sep 25, 2025 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | Jan 10, 2024 | 0.00K |
| Flood | Aug 18, 2023 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | Jul 10, 2023 | 0.00K |
| Coastal Flood | Dec 23, 2022 | 0.00K |
| Tropical Storm | Aug 22, 2021 | 200.00K |
| Tropical Storm | Aug 4, 2020 | 1.30K |
| Flood | Jul 15, 2016 | 0.00K |
| Flood | Jul 28, 2015 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | Jul 15, 2015 | 0.00K |
Flash Flood — Sep 25, 2025
A trough of low pressure brough some widely scattered heavy showers to RI and southeast MA which caused some localized flash flooding problems in MA and RI.
Flash Flood — Jan 10, 2024
A negatively tilted mid level trough swung through New England while at the surface a low pressure center passed directly over southern New England. This inland runner brought warm air so that all precipitation fell as rain, along with strong winds. There was a good deal of tree damage from the winds and widespread river flooding with many rivers going into major flood stage. Much of Rhode Isla...
Flood — Aug 18, 2023
A high amplitude, negatively tilted trough moving across the Great Lakes and into New England along with cold and warm front provided strong forcing which resulted in flooding, wind damage, and 5 tornadoes. In the warm sector dewpoints surged into the mid 70s with PWATs near 2 inches which led to torrential downpours. Tornadoes occurred in Scotland, Ct, Scituate, RI, North Attleboro, MA, Stough...
Flash Flood — Jul 10, 2023
An anomalously amplified mid level trough moving east from the Great Lakes closed off and brought widespread showers and scattered thunderstorms which lead to flooding in Rhode Island. Many roads were closed and cars were stuck in flood waters.
Coastal Flood — Dec 23, 2022
Low pressure deepened rapidly as it tracked through the eastern Great Lakes.|The storm produced damaging southeast to south winds across much of southern New England and minor to moderate coastal flooding the east and south coasts. Two to 3.5 inches of rain fell across much of RI and interior MA.
Source: NOAA National Weather Service Storm Events Database.
Source: OpenFEMA NFIP Individual Claims (2.25M records analyzed).
FEMA assigns flood zone designations to areas in Bristol County, Rhode Island:
AE High Risk — 1% annual chance of flooding. Insurance required.
VE Very High Risk — Coastal flooding with wave action.
X (Shaded) Moderate Risk — 500-year floodplain.
X Low Risk — Outside major floodplains.
Properties in Bristol County, Rhode Island that are in FEMA-designated Special Flood Hazard Areas (zones A and V) with federally backed mortgages are required to carry flood insurance.
Even outside high-risk zones, flood insurance is recommended. From 2014 to 2024, nearly one-third of NFIP claims came from outside the high-risk Special Flood Hazard Area.
Visit FloodSmart.gov to find an agent and get a quote.