Hurricane Risk for Providence, RI
No tropical storms currently threaten the Providence area. The next one could form quickly though — get alerts before they make the news.
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Since 1851, 123 hurricanes and tropical storms have passed within 150 miles of Providence. Here's what you should know.
By the numbers
Most recent hurricane
Henri (2021)
Passed within 12 miles of Providence on August 24, 2021. Peak intensity: Cat 1 (75 mph).
Strongest hurricane ever to pass nearby
Unnamed (1944)
Reached Cat 5 (161 mph) at its peak. Passed within 24 miles of Providence.
Closest approach ever
Unnamed (1872)
Passed just 6.0 miles from Providence on October 27, 1872.
When hurricanes hit Providence
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 Providence residents likely remember:
| Storm | Year | Peak | Closest | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Henri | 2021 | Cat 1 | 12 mi | Aug 24, 2021 |
| Elsa | 2021 | Cat 1 | 24 mi | Jul 09, 2021 |
| Ida | 2021 | Cat 4 | 93 mi | Sep 02, 2021 |
| Zeta | 2020 | Cat 3 | 161 mi | Oct 30, 2020 |
| Isaias | 2020 | Cat 1 | 173 mi | Aug 05, 2020 |
| Florence | 2018 | Cat 4 | 100 mi | Sep 18, 2018 |
| Michael | 2018 | Cat 5 | 193 mi | Oct 12, 2018 |
| Nate | 2017 | Cat 1 | 167 mi | Oct 10, 2017 |
| Jose | 2017 | Cat 4 | 184 mi | Sep 23, 2017 |
| Hermine | 2016 | Cat 1 | 73 mi | Sep 08, 2016 |
| Arthur | 2014 | Cat 2 | 143 mi | Jul 05, 2014 |
| Irene | 2011 | Cat 3 | 98 mi | Aug 28, 2011 |
| Earl | 2010 | Cat 4 | 175 mi | Sep 04, 2010 |
| Hanna | 2008 | Cat 1 | 16 mi | Sep 07, 2008 |
| Noel | 2007 | Cat 1 | 174 mi | Nov 04, 2007 |
Preparedness
- Know your zone. Providence is in Providence 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.