Providence County, Rhode Island tornadoes

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12confirmed tornadoes since NOAA records began in 1950 (the first here in 1985). Most recent: June 26, 2024, EF1. 2026 so far: 0 preliminary reports preliminary

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Map

Every tornado path in the county

Tornado paths, 1950 to 2025
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(E)F0(E)F1(E)F2(E)F3(E)F4(E)F5Unrated

Each path is a straight line from where the tornado started to where it ended, which is all most NOAA records hold. Tap a path for its details.

Recent warnings

Recent warnings in Providence County

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The record

At a glance

Total121950 to 2025
Per year0.2average since 1950
Peak monthAugust6 of 12
StrongestF2Aug 7, 1986
Deaths0whole paths, see note
Injuries24whole paths, see note

Deaths and injuries are NOAA's totals for each tornado's whole path, which can extend beyond Providence County.

Seasons

When tornadoes hit here

By month

60 Jan: 0Feb: 0Mar: 0Apr: 0May: 0Jun: 1Jul: 0Aug: 6Sep: 3Oct: 1Nov: 1Dec: 0JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

August is the peak month, with 6 of 12 tornadoes.

By time of day

40 12 AM: 0: 0: 03 AM: 0: 0: 06 AM: 1: 0: 19 AM: 0: 0: 012 PM: 1: 4: 23 PM: 2: 0: 06 PM: 0: 0: 09 PM: 1: 0: 012 AM3 AM6 AM9 AM12 PM3 PM6 PM9 PM

Most often around 1:00 PM. Times as recorded by NOAA, mostly Central Standard Time.

By year, 1950 to 2025

30 1950: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 01960: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 01970: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 01980: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 1: 3: 0: 0: 11990: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 02000: 1: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 02010: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 1: 02020: 0: 1: 0: 3: 1: 019501960197019801990200020102020

The line is the five-year average. Tornadoes before about 1953 were under-reported, and better radar since the 1990s finds more weak ones.

By rating

EF0
3
EF1
7
EF2
2

Ratings before February 2007 use the original F scale; the numbers line up with today's EF scale. Unknown means NOAA could not assign a rating.

The record

Notable tornadoes

Strongest

F2, August 7, 1986

4 mile path Longest path

9.1 miles, EF2

August 18, 2023, whole path Widest

1,000 yards, F2

August 7, 1986
Every tornado

All 12 tornadoes, newest first

DateRatingPath lengthWidthDeathsInjuries
Jun 26, 2024EF18.6 mi100 yd00
Sep 13, 2023EF10.21 mi60 yd00
Sep 13, 2023EF10.21 mi70 yd00
Aug 18, 2023EF29.1 mi250 yd01
Nov 13, 2021EF06.13 mi100 yd00
Oct 23, 2018EF11.5 mi250 yd00
Aug 16, 2000F00.2 mi10 yd00
Sep 23, 1989F00.2 mi40 yd03
Aug 8, 1986F17 mi1,000 yd00
Aug 7, 1986F24 mi1,000 yd020
Aug 7, 1986F10.5 mi100 yd00
Aug 26, 1985F11.5 mi100 yd00
Cities

Cities in Providence County

Each city page counts every tornado path within 10 miles of the city, including paths just over the county line.

Nearby

Nearby counties

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Source: NOAA Storm Prediction Center severe weather database, 1950 to 2025, and SPC preliminary reports for 2026. Page built October 13, 2026.