Enter any address in Kent County, Rhode Island to see its FEMA flood zone
Widespread flooding from heavy rainfall events dominates the flood character of Kent County, RI. Recent events include significant river flooding in January 2024, following 2 to 5 inches of rain and melting snow, and another instance of widespread moderate to heavy rain in May 2024, with some areas receiving over 6 inches. Flash flooding was also observed in August 2024 due to strong storms.
The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) data shows a substantial number of claims in Zone A, with an average payout of $18,420 and an average water depth of 3.7 feet. Zone X also has a significant claim history, with an average payout of $15,306. Homeowners in coastal areas, as well as those residing near rivers or in areas designated as Zone A, should pay particular attention to flood risk.
Summary generated from NOAA storm narratives and NFIP claim data for this county. Not predictive.
35 NOAA storm reports from this county describe what happened, in the words of the meteorologists who were there.
Kent County, Rhode Island has recorded 67 flood-related events since 1996 according to NOAA's Storm Events Database, including 23 flash floods and 32 river or area floods. The county has received 23 federal disaster declarations. Enter any address above to check its FEMA flood zone designation.
FEMA Disaster Declarations (1978–2024)
Source: OpenFEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries.
| Declaration | Type | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Severe Storms And Flooding | Severe Storm | Jan 9, 2024 |
| Severe Storm And Flooding | Severe Storm | Dec 17, 2023 |
| 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 |
NOAA Storm Events Database (1996–2025)
Source: NOAA National Weather Service Storm Events Database.
| Type | Date | Damage |
|---|---|---|
| Flash Flood | Aug 26, 2024 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | Jun 21, 2024 | 0.00K |
| Flood | May 16, 2024 | 0.00K |
| Coastal Flood | Jan 13, 2024 | 0.00K |
| Flood | Jan 10, 2024 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | Aug 18, 2023 | 0.00K |
| Coastal Flood | Dec 23, 2022 | 0.00K |
| Tropical Storm | Aug 22, 2021 | 38.00K |
| Tropical Storm | Aug 22, 2021 | 0.50K |
| Flood | Dec 25, 2020 | 0.00K |
Flash Flood — Aug 26, 2024
A cold pool aloft and surface front caused a round of strong to severe storms over all of southern New England. Hail from 1 to 2 inches fell in MA, RI, and CT while localized flash flooding was observed in southern RI and MA.
Flash Flood — Jun 21, 2024
A round of thunderstorms brought isolated flash flooding to Rhode Island in the evening.
Flood — May 16, 2024
Low pressure south of southern New England brought widespread moderate to heavy rain to the region during the morning. The heaviest was centered in eastern CT, northern and |central RI into south coastal MA where a nearly stationary band of rain produced hourly rain rates of about a half-inch per hour. Some of the highest totals were 5.09 inches of rain in Westport, MA, 6.54 inches in South Kin...
Coastal Flood — Jan 13, 2024
A low pressure system over the southern Plains strengthened significantly as it reached the eastern Great Lakes. This placed New England on the warm side of the storm with strong SE winds and rain instead of snow. This lead to widespread river flooding and coastal flooding on both the south and east coasts of southern New England. The heaviest rain fell over eastern CT, RI, and eastern MA with ...
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...
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 Kent 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 Kent 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.