Narragansett, RI Tornado History — 13 Tornadoes Since 1950
How many tornadoes has Narragansett, RI had?
Narragansett has had 13 tornadoes on record within 25 miles since 1950.
When was the most recent tornado near Narragansett?
The most recent tornado within 25 miles of Narragansett was an EF2 on August 18, 2023.
When is tornado season in Narragansett?
August is historically the peak month for tornadoes near Narragansett, with 5 on record. Spring through early summer (April–June) generally sees the highest activity across most of the central and southern United States.
At a Glance
Recent Tornado Activity Near Narragansett
The last 20 years of confirmed tornadoes within 25 miles — 7 total, averaging 0.3 per year over this window.
Tornadoes by Decade
Tornadoes by Enhanced Fujita Rating
F0–F5 ratings (pre-2007) are grouped with their EF equivalents. The Enhanced Fujita scale replaced the original Fujita scale in February 2007.
Tornadoes by Month
Have any tornadoes near Narragansett been fatal?
No fatalities are on record within 25 miles of Narragansett from any of the 13 tornadoes since 1950, though 24 injuries have been reported. NOAA Storm Prediction Center records.
Notable Tornadoes Near Narragansett
About Tornadoes in Narragansett
This overview was written April 23, 2026. The tornado counts and notable-event figures elsewhere on this page reflect the latest data and may differ from this summary.
Narragansett, Rhode Island, has experienced 13 documented tornadoes within a 25-mile radius since 1950, according to the NOAA Storm Prediction Center. While tornadoes are less common in southern New England than in the nation's central plains, the coastal region around Narragansett sees occasional tornado activity, particularly during the late summer months when atmospheric conditions can support severe thunderstorm development.
The majority of tornadoes in the area have been relatively weak, with 8 rated EF0 and 3 rated EF1 on the Enhanced Fujita scale, which measures tornado intensity based on damage. However, 2 tornadoes have reached EF2 strength, capable of producing considerable damage with estimated wind speeds between 111 and 135 mph. Notably, none of the tornadoes on record in the Narragansett area have resulted in fatalities, though property damage has occurred during several events.
August stands out as the peak month for tornado activity, accounting for 5 of the 13 recorded events. This late-summer concentration differs from the typical spring peak seen in many other parts of the country, reflecting New England's unique seasonal severe weather patterns. Tornado frequency has been relatively consistent across recent decades, with 3 events recorded in each of the 1990s, 2010s, and 2020s.
The costliest tornado on record occurred on August 7, 1986, when an F2 tornado carved a 4.0-mile path with a maximum width of 1,000 yards, causing $2.75 million in property damage. More recently, an EF2 tornado on August 18, 2023, traveled the longest recorded path in the area at 9.1 miles with a maximum width of 250 yards, resulting in $250,000 in damage. This most recent event demonstrates that tornado risk, while modest compared to other regions, remains a relevant consideration for residents and emergency planners in the Narragansett area.