Lightning Risk in Rhode Island
All Rhode Island counties ranked by FEMA National Risk Index lightning score
Lightning risk — electrical discharges from storms that ignite fires and cause casualties — is rated for 5 of 5 Rhode Island counties in FEMA's National Risk Index. Providence County carries the state's highest lightning score at 89.0, with $1M in expected annual lightning losses.
1 Rhode Island county is rated High or Very High for lightning, and expected annual losses from lightning total roughly $3M statewide. The full ranking below links to each county's complete 18-hazard risk profile.
County Rankings — Lightning
| # | County | Lightning Score | Rating | Ann. Freq. | Ann. Loss |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Providence County | High | 21.96 / yr | $1M | |
| 2 | Washington County | Medium | 20.86 / yr | $561K | |
| 3 | Kent County | Medium | 21.71 / yr | $471K | |
| 4 | Bristol County | Medium | 21.20 / yr | $498K | |
| 5 | Newport County | Low | 19.71 / yr | $281K |
5 Rhode Island counties with measurable lightning risk. See the national lightning ranking or all Rhode Island counties by overall risk.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Rhode Island county has the highest lightning risk?
Providence County has the highest FEMA lightning risk score in Rhode Island at 89.0 (High), with $1M in expected annual losses and about 21.96 events per year.
How many Rhode Island counties face significant lightning risk?
5 Rhode Island counties record measurable lightning risk in FEMA's National Risk Index; 1 of them are rated High or Very High.