Hurricane Risk for Newport, RI
No tropical storms currently threaten the Newport area. The next one could form quickly though — get alerts before they make the news.
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Since 1851, 137 hurricanes and tropical storms have passed within 150 miles of Newport. Here's what you should know.
By the numbers
Most recent hurricane
Elsa (2021)
Passed within 22 miles of Newport on July 09, 2021. Peak intensity: Cat 1 (86 mph).
Strongest hurricane ever to pass nearby
Unnamed (1944)
Reached Cat 5 (161 mph) at its peak. Passed within 17 miles of Newport.
Closest approach ever
Bob (1991)
Passed just 8.8 miles from Newport on August 19, 1991.
When hurricanes hit Newport
Distribution across the calendar year, based on every storm in the 150-mile radius since 1851:
Peak months are August through October, when the Atlantic season is most active. June, July, and November are secondary risk months.
Prep your supplies before the storm is named
Our alerts can notify you of a storm long before it makes the news, giving you more time to get what you need — instead of joining the panic-buying public.
Sign Up FreeRecent notable storms (last 20 years)
Hurricanes (Cat 1+) within 200 miles in the last 20 years — these are the ones Newport residents likely remember:
| Storm | Year | Peak | Closest | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Elsa | 2021 | Cat 1 | 22 mi | Jul 09, 2021 |
| Henri | 2021 | Cat 1 | 26 mi | Aug 22, 2021 |
| Ida | 2021 | Cat 4 | 83 mi | Sep 02, 2021 |
| Zeta | 2020 | Cat 3 | 140 mi | Oct 30, 2020 |
| Isaias | 2020 | Cat 1 | 195 mi | Aug 05, 2020 |
| Florence | 2018 | Cat 4 | 113 mi | Sep 18, 2018 |
| Michael | 2018 | Cat 5 | 170 mi | Oct 12, 2018 |
| Jose | 2017 | Cat 4 | 163 mi | Sep 23, 2017 |
| Nate | 2017 | Cat 1 | 190 mi | Oct 10, 2017 |
| Hermine | 2016 | Cat 1 | 69 mi | Sep 08, 2016 |
| Arthur | 2014 | Cat 2 | 123 mi | Jul 05, 2014 |
| Irene | 2011 | Cat 3 | 115 mi | Aug 28, 2011 |
| Earl | 2010 | Cat 4 | 161 mi | Sep 04, 2010 |
| Hanna | 2008 | Cat 1 | 34 mi | Sep 07, 2008 |
| Noel | 2007 | Cat 1 | 164 mi | Nov 04, 2007 |
Preparedness
- Know your zone. Newport is in Newport County — look up your evacuation zone here.
- Get alerts early. Sign up below — we'll notify you when storms first form in the basin, not just when they're at your doorstep.
- Have 3+ days of supplies. Water (1 gal/person/day), non-perishable food, medications, flashlights, batteries, cash.
- Have an evacuation plan. Know where you'll go, how you'll get there, what you'll bring.
- Follow official orders. If your zone is told to evacuate, leave. Don't wait.