Washington County, Rhode Island Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · RI
LowComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 64th
Washington County faces low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 64.0, 64th national percentile), driven primarily by hurricane and coastal flood exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $32M.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025
Risk Overview
Overall natural disaster risk in Washington County is low, with a National Risk Index score of 64.0 out of 100 — placing it in the 64th national percentile and below the national average for natural-disaster risk. The score blends Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across all 18 FEMA hazard types.
Most of Washington County's expected losses come from hurricane (tropical cyclones bringing extreme wind, rain, and storm surge) at Medium risk — $3M in expected annual loss and about 0.18 events per year; coastal flood (seawater inundation from storm surge, high tides, and rising sea levels) at Medium risk — $2M in expected annual loss and about 3.69 events per year; and riverine flood (rivers and streams overflowing their banks after heavy rain or snowmelt) at Medium risk — $22M in expected annual loss and about 0.75 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $32M in expected annual loss for a population of 130K.
Beyond physical exposure, Washington County has a very low social vulnerability rating (how susceptible the population is to harm) and a very high community resilience rating (its capacity to prepare for and recover from disasters). A less vulnerable population paired with strong resilience helps the community absorb and recover from events.
The county's disaster history tells the same story: Washington County has received 25 federal disaster declarations since 1978, including 8 for hurricane events and 7 for snowstorm events. The most recent was Severe Storm and Flooding (severe storm), declared in March 2024.
Among 5 Rhode Island counties, Washington County ranks #3 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Hurricane | Medium | 0.18 / yr | $3M |
| Coastal Flood | Medium | 3.69 / yr | $2M |
| Riverine Flood | Medium | 0.75 / yr | $22M |
| Ice Storm | Medium | 1.41 / yr | $310K |
| Earthquake | Low | 0.00 / yr | $921K |
| Lightning | Medium | 20.86 / yr | $561K |
| Heat Wave | Low | 3.38 / yr | $419K |
| Drought | Low | 3.41 / yr | $124K |
| Winter Weather | Low | 10.34 / yr | $66K |
| Landslide | Very Low | 0.11 / yr | $746 |
| Strong Wind | Low | 1.12 / yr | $393K |
| Tornado | Low | 0.10 / yr | $664K |
| Cold Wave | Low | 0.72 / yr | $425K |
| Wildfire | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $13K |
| Hail | Very Low | 1.51 / yr | $6K |
| Avalanche | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Tsunami | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Volcanic Activity | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
Disaster History
Washington County has received 25 federal disaster declarations since 1978, most recently Severe Storm and Flooding in March 2024. Most frequent causes: Hurricane (8), Snowstorm (7), Severe Storm (6).
| Declared | Type | Disaster |
|---|---|---|
| March 2024 | Severe Storm | Severe Storm and Flooding |
| March 2024 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms and Flooding |
| April 2023 | Fire | Queens River Fire |
| May 2022 | Snowstorm | Severe Winter Storm and Snowstorm |
| August 2021 | Hurricane | Hurricane Henri |
| March 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 Pandemic |
| March 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 |
| April 2015 | Severe Storm | Severe Winter Storm and Snowstorm |
| March 2013 | Severe Storm | Severe Winter Storm and Snowstorm |
| November 2012 | Hurricane | Hurricane Sandy |
Showing the 10 most recent of 25 declarations.
Source: FEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries (OpenFEMA).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the overall natural disaster risk for Washington County?
Washington County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 64.0 out of 100, placing it in the Low category and the 64th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.
What are the top natural hazards in Washington County?
The three highest-rated hazards are Hurricane (Medium, $3M EAL), Coastal Flood (Medium, $2M EAL), Riverine Flood (Medium, $22M EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Washington County compare to other Rhode Island counties?
Washington County ranks #3 of 5 Rhode Island counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a low rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Washington County had?
FEMA records 25 federal disaster declarations for Washington County since 1978, most often 8 for hurricane events and 7 for snowstorm events. The most recent was Severe Storm and Flooding, declared in March 2024.
What does Expected Annual Loss (EAL) mean?
EAL is FEMA's estimate of average annual dollar losses from natural hazards, calculated from historical event data and exposure models. Washington County's $32M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.