Alert archive / Rhode Island / Flash Flood Warnings in 2026
Flash Flood Warning 9, NWS Boston/Norton, MA
NWS Boston/Norton, MA issued this flash flood warning at Aug 3, 2026, 8:15 AM EDT for Bristol County, Massachusetts; 4 counties in Rhode Island. It was in force for 6 hr. 1 report came from inside the area while it was in force.
The area
The outline as issued, with what was reported inside it.
The facts
- Issued
- Aug 3, 2026, 8:15 AM EDT (12:15 UTC)
- Expired
- Aug 3, 2026, 1:45 PM EDT
- In force
- 6 hr
- Issued by
- NWS Boston/Norton, MA
- Area
- Storm-based polygon
- Flood severity
- None
Counties Bristol County, MA, Bristol County, RI, Kent County, RI, Providence County, RI, Washington County, RI
The radar
The Boston radar (KBOX), 40 km from the middle of the area, began a volume at 12:17 UTC, the scan nearest the moment this went out.
Open the radar archive at this moment
The archived warnings, watches and discussions in force at that minute are drawn over the scan, this one among them.
What was reported inside it
| Time | Report | Where | Remark |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aug 3, 12:30 PM EDT | FLASH FLOOD | 2 Sw Tf Green Ap, RI | In Warwick, Miantonomo Dr was flooded with a car stuck. Albert Rd was impassable. |
Local storm reports filed while the alert was in force, from inside its polygon or its counties.
Did it verify
Verified. The Iowa Environmental Mesonet's Cow matched one storm report to this flash flood warning; the first came 255 minutes after it went out.
Cow counts a report within 15 km of the polygon while the warning was in force: a tornado for a tornado warning; hail of 1 inch or more, a gust of 58 mph or more or wind damage for a severe thunderstorm warning; a flash flood report for a flash flood warning.
The nearest sounding before it
Brookhaven, NY (KOKX), launched 12:00Z, 0.3 hours before the alert went out and 148 km from the middle of its area. This is the routine balloon launch nearest before it, the air the forecaster had in hand, not a measurement taken for the alert.
- Mixed-layer CAPE
- 1129 J/kg
- Mixed-layer CIN
- 0 J/kg
- Mixed-layer LCL
- 460 m above ground
- 0-6 km bulk shear
- 42 kt
- 0-1 km storm-relative helicity
- 250 m²/s²
- 0-3 km storm-relative helicity
- 249 m²/s²
- Significant tornado parameter
- 1.3
- Supercell composite
- 6.7
The text
As transmitted.
418
WGUS51 KBOX 031215
FFWBOX
MAC005-RIC001-003-007-009-031545-
/O.NEW.KBOX.FF.W.0009.260803T1215Z-260803T1545Z/
/00000.0.ER.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.OO/
BULLETIN - EAS ACTIVATION REQUESTED
Flash Flood Warning
National Weather Service Boston/Norton MA
815 AM EDT Mon Aug 3 2026
The National Weather Service in Norton has issued a
* Flash Flood Warning for...
West Central Bristol County in southeastern Massachusetts...
Northwestern Bristol County in Rhode Island...
Kent County in Rhode Island...
Providence County in Rhode Island...
Northeastern Washington County in Rhode Island...
* Until 1145 AM EDT.
* At 815 AM EDT, Doppler radar indicated heavy rainfall with 1-2"
per hour rainfall rates approaching the Providence area. These
rates may persist for an hour or more leading to flash flooding of
urban and poor drainage areas.
HAZARD...Flash flooding caused by thunderstorms.
SOURCE...Radar.
IMPACT...Flash flooding of small creeks and streams, urban
areas, highways, streets and underpasses as well as
other poor drainage and low-lying areas.
* Some locations that will experience flash flooding include...
Providence, Warwick, Cranston, Pawtucket, Taunton, East
Providence, Woonsocket, Coventry, Cumberland, North Providence,
West Warwick, Johnston, North Attleborough, North Kingstown,
Attleboro, Smithfield, Lincoln, Central Falls, Norton and
Bellingham.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
Turn around, don't drown when encountering flooded roads. Most flood
deaths occur in vehicles.
&&
LAT...LON 4171 7179 4202 7148 4192 7111 4166 7134
4165 7134 4153 7145 4164 7179
FLASH FLOOD...RADAR INDICATED
$$
RM4 follow-up statements
721
WGUS71 KBOX 031315
FFSBOX
Flash Flood Statement
National Weather Service Boston/Norton MA
915 AM EDT Mon Aug 3 2026
MAC005-RIC001-003-007-009-031545-
/O.CON.KBOX.FF.W.0009.000000T0000Z-260803T1545Z/
/00000.0.ER.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.OO/
Bristol MA-Bristol RI-Kent RI-Providence RI-Washington RI-
915 AM EDT Mon Aug 3 2026
...FLASH FLOOD WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 1145 AM EDT THIS
MORNING FOR WEST CENTRAL BRISTOL, NORTHWESTERN BRISTOL, KENT,
PROVIDENCE AND NORTHEASTERN WASHINGTON COUNTIES...
At 915 AM EDT, Doppler radar indicated thunderstorms producing heavy
rain across the warned area. Between 0.5 and 1 inch of rain has
fallen. The expected rainfall rate is 1 to 2 inches in 1 hour.
Additional rainfall amounts of 1 to 2 inches are possible in the
warned area. Flash flooding is ongoing or expected to begin shortly.
HAZARD...Flash flooding caused by thunderstorms.
SOURCE...Radar.
IMPACT...Flash flooding of small creeks and streams, urban areas,
highways, streets and underpasses as well as other poor
drainage and low-lying areas.
Some locations that will experience flash flooding include...
Providence, Warwick, Cranston, Pawtucket, Taunton, East
Providence, Woonsocket, Coventry, Cumberland, North Providence,
West Warwick, Johnston, North Attleborough, North Kingstown,
Attleboro, Smithfield, Lincoln, Central Falls, Norton and
Bellingham.
A lull in shower activity will be followed by another round of
moderate to heavy rain within the hour.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
Turn around, don't drown when encountering flooded roads. Most flood
deaths occur in vehicles.
Be aware of your surroundings and do not drive on flooded roads.
&&
LAT...LON 4171 7179 4202 7148 4192 7111 4166 7134
4165 7134 4153 7145 4164 7179
FLASH FLOOD...RADAR INDICATED
EXPECTED RAINFALL RATE...1-2 INCHES IN 1 HOUR
$$
RM860
WGUS71 KBOX 031437
FFSBOX
Flash Flood Statement
National Weather Service Boston/Norton MA
1037 AM EDT Mon Aug 3 2026
MAC005-RIC001-003-007-009-031545-
/O.CON.KBOX.FF.W.0009.000000T0000Z-260803T1545Z/
/00000.0.ER.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.OO/
Bristol MA-Bristol RI-Kent RI-Providence RI-Washington RI-
1037 AM EDT Mon Aug 3 2026
...FLASH FLOOD WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 1145 AM EDT THIS
MORNING FOR WEST CENTRAL BRISTOL, NORTHWESTERN BRISTOL, KENT,
PROVIDENCE AND NORTHEASTERN WASHINGTON COUNTIES...
At 1037 AM EDT, Doppler radar indicated thunderstorms producing
heavy rain across the warned area. Between 0.5 and 1 inch of rain
has fallen. The expected rainfall rate is 1 to 2 inches in 1 hour.
Additional rainfall amounts of 1 to 2 inches are possible in the
warned area. Flash flooding is ongoing or expected to begin shortly.
HAZARD...Flash flooding caused by thunderstorms.
SOURCE...Radar.
IMPACT...Flash flooding of small creeks and streams, urban areas,
highways, streets and underpasses as well as other poor
drainage and low-lying areas.
Some locations that will experience flash flooding include...
Providence, Warwick, Cranston, Pawtucket, Taunton, East
Providence, Woonsocket, Coventry, Cumberland, North Providence,
West Warwick, Johnston, North Attleborough, North Kingstown,
Attleboro, Smithfield, Lincoln, Central Falls, Norton and
Bellingham.
The lull in heavy precipitation has ended and moderate to heavy
rainfall is moving back over the warned area. 1-2 inch per hour
rainfall rates will be possible for the next hour or so. The warning
may be extended if heavy rainfall persists.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
Turn around, don't drown when encountering flooded roads. Most flood
deaths occur in vehicles.
Be aware of your surroundings and do not drive on flooded roads.
&&
LAT...LON 4171 7179 4202 7148 4192 7111 4166 7134
4165 7134 4153 7145 4164 7179
FLASH FLOOD...RADAR INDICATED
EXPECTED RAINFALL RATE...1-2 INCHES IN 1 HOUR
$$
RM668
WGUS51 KBOX 031523
FFWBOX
MAC005-RIC001-003-007-009-031745-
/O.EXT.KBOX.FF.W.0009.000000T0000Z-260803T1745Z/
/00000.0.ER.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.OO/
BULLETIN - EAS ACTIVATION REQUESTED
Flash Flood Warning
National Weather Service Boston/Norton MA
1123 AM EDT Mon Aug 3 2026
The National Weather Service in Norton has extended the
* Flash Flood Warning for...
West Central Bristol County in southeastern Massachusetts...
Northwestern Bristol County in Rhode Island...
Kent County in Rhode Island...
Providence County in Rhode Island...
Northeastern Washington County in Rhode Island...
* Until 145 PM EDT.
* At 1123 AM EDT, Doppler radar indicated thunderstorms producing
heavy rain across the warned area. Between 1 and 3 inches of rain
have fallen. The expected rainfall rate is 1 to 2 inches in 1
hour. Additional rainfall amounts of 1 to 2 inches are possible in
the warned area. Flash flooding is ongoing or expected to begin
shortly.
HAZARD...Flash flooding caused by thunderstorms.
SOURCE...Radar.
IMPACT...Flash flooding of small creeks and streams, urban
areas, highways, streets and underpasses as well as
other poor drainage and low-lying areas.
* Some locations that will experience flash flooding include...
Providence, Warwick, Cranston, Pawtucket, Taunton, East
Providence, Woonsocket, Coventry, Cumberland, North Providence,
West Warwick, Johnston, North Attleborough, North Kingstown,
Attleboro, Smithfield, Lincoln, Central Falls, Norton and
Bellingham.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
Turn around, don't drown when encountering flooded roads. Most flood
deaths occur in vehicles.
Be aware of your surroundings and do not drive on flooded roads.
&&
LAT...LON 4171 7179 4202 7148 4192 7111 4166 7134
4165 7134 4153 7145 4164 7179
FLASH FLOOD...RADAR INDICATED
EXPECTED RAINFALL RATE...1-2 INCHES IN 1 HOUR
$$
RM584
WGUS71 KBOX 031751
FFSBOX
Flash Flood Statement
National Weather Service Boston/Norton MA
151 PM EDT Mon Aug 3 2026
RIC003-007-009-031801-
/O.EXP.KBOX.FF.W.0009.000000T0000Z-260803T1745Z/
/00000.0.ER.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.OO/
Kent RI-Providence RI-Washington RI-
151 PM EDT Mon Aug 3 2026
...FLASH FLOOD WARNING HAS EXPIRED FOR WEST CENTRAL BRISTOL,
NORTHWESTERN BRISTOL, KENT, PROVIDENCE AND NORTHEASTERN WASHINGTON
COUNTIES...
The heavy rain has ended. Flooding is no longer expected to pose a
threat. Please continue to heed remaining road closures.
&&
LAT...LON 4171 7179 4202 7148 4192 7111 4166 7134
4165 7134 4153 7145 4164 7179
$$
FTWhat forecasters said that day
The local office's own words before this flash flood warning went out, as it sent them, from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet's archive of National Weather Service text.
NWS Boston/Norton, MA wrote its last area forecast discussion before this flash flood warning went out at Aug 3, 7:28 AM EDT, 47 minutes earlier. Its key messages:
- A cold front brings the return of heavy rain and gusty winds Sunday night and Monday. Localized flash flooding possible.
- After a quiet Tuesday unsettled weather returns mid week through the weekend with periods of showers and storms.
Area forecast discussion, Aug 3, 7:28 AM EDT, 47 minutes before
Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Boston/Norton MA
728 AM EDT Mon Aug 3 2026
.WHAT HAS CHANGED...
No significant changes.
&&
.KEY MESSAGES...
- A cold front brings the return of heavy rain and gusty winds
Sunday night and Monday. Localized flash flooding possible.
- After a quiet Tuesday unsettled weather returns mid week through
the weekend with periods of showers and storms.
&&
.DISCUSSION...
KEY MESSAGE 1...A cold front brings the return of heavy rain and
gusty winds Monday.
An anomalously deep upper trough digging into the Ohio Valley will
become cutoff as the broader longwave trough axis works its way
slowly east. Its trough axis will cross over southern New England
Monday night into Tuesday ushering in a much quiet and drier period.
Before that, however, we'll be dealing with a very moist and dynamic
system for the next 18-24 hours. This, as the shortwave and surface
reflection pull copious amounts of moisture north into New England
on strengthening SW flow (PWATs 2+ inches) with a 40-55 kt LLJ
strengthening as it's core moves over the Cape and islands.
Fortunately, even though BUFKIT soundings show 55kts down to about
925mb, the low level inversion should keep the worst aloft.
Regardless, it will be a gusty day, especially over southeast MA.
While some brief stronger gusts can't be ruled out, they are more
than likely to top out around 40 mph on Cape Cod.
Regardless of its impact at the surface, said LLJ will certainly act
as a strong forcing mechanism for our heavy rain. This together with
divergence aloft/placement beneath the RRQ of an upper jet will lead
to broad, deep layer ascent and widespread rain showers and
thunderstorms. Continuing to expect an initial round of moderate to
heavy rain showers this morning into the afternoon which has already
begun to materialize. The atmosphere is primed for some heavy
downpours and while we can't nail down exactly who will see these
downpours, any convection would lead to a better chance of those
higher rain rates hinted at by the HREF (low probability of as much
as 1+/hr).
There's unlikely to be a real break in the showers and embedded
thunderstorms but any pockets of clearing skies between showers may
lead to increased instability parameters and a better chance for one
of these thunderstorms to become severe as a final source of forcing
arrives in the evening in the form of a cold front. Any storms that
do get going will be in an environment with 30-45 kts of 0-6km bulk
shear meaning potential for organization and some damaging wind
potential.
When all is said and done (ending in western MA by 8pm, eastern MA
by midnight) a widespread 0.5 to 1.5 inches of rain is expected.
That being said, convective enhancement and potential for training
thanks to boundary-parallel mean flow mean that localized areas
could see significantly more, on the order of 3-4 inches. This
amount, especially if it falls in a short period, may lead to street
flooding and even isolated flash flooding situations. However, we
don't expect a widespread flash flooding risk with this system.
KEY MESSAGE 2...After a quiet Tuesday unsettled weather returns mid
week through the weekend with periods of showers and storms.
After a beautiful, mostly sunny, less humid day on Tuesday under
high pressure ridging, unsettled weather returns Wednesday into the
weekend. A broad mid level trough sets up over the eastern U.S. with
several shortwaves rotating through the base of the broader trough
and this will bring periodic rain and thunderstorm chances each day,
especially in the afternoon/evening.
&&
.AVIATION /12Z MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY/...
Forecaster Confidence Levels...
Low - less than 30 percent.
Moderate - 30 to 60 percent.
High - greater than 60 percent.
12Z TAF Update:
Today: Moderate confidence.
IFR/LIFR in RA/+RA through the day. Embedded storms possible
within the first few rounds of rain 12-21Z. Another round of
scattered thunderstorms likely pushes through from west to east
19Z-00Z ahead of the approaching cold front. Wind shear likely
continues in the east/southeast terminals during the day. SW
winds 10-20 kts with gusts 20-30 kts. Could see period in the
afternoon that winds gust 25-35 kts for the east and especially
SE terminals if we clear out before the early evening round of
storms.
Monday night: High confidence.
SHRA/TSRA will be pushing out of eastern terminals between 00-03Z
leaving VFR conditions with light W wind.
Tuesday: High confidence.
VFR. Winds 5-10 kts, first W then becoming SW after 18Z.
KBOS Terminal...Moderate confidence in TAF.
Expect steadiest precipitation between 14-18Z with intermittent
SHRA thereafter. Low confidence in TSRA, but thunder will be
possible for the duration of the day.
KBDL Terminal...Moderate confidence in TAF.
Outlook /Tuesday through Friday/...
Tuesday through Tuesday Night: VFR.
Wednesday through Wednesday Night: VFR. Slight chance SHRA.
Thursday through Thursday Night: VFR. Breezy. Slight chance
SHRA, slight chance TSRA.
Friday: VFR. Breezy. Chance SHRA, chance TSRA.
&&
.MARINE...
Forecaster Confidence Levels...
Low - less than 30 percent.
Moderate - 30 to 60 percent.
High - greater than 60 percent.
Winds and seas increase into early this morning across the
southern and eastern waters eventually increasing across the
northern waters. Seas 5-9 ft for the outer coastal waters,
especially south. 5-7 ft seas stretch into portions of the inner
souther waters. SW winds 15-20 kts with gusts around 30 kts.
Can't rule out a few isolated gusts near Gale-force late
morning-afternoon if winds mix down from the low level jet
overhead. SCAs are in effect for all the coastal marine zones.
Elevated seas will keep SCAs around through Tuesday for the
southern waters.
A high surf advisory is in effect for the south coast and
islands Tuesday. A strong 35-45 kt southerly low level jet will
help build waves 5-9 ft across the waters of RI and south of
MVY-ACK Monday. Rough surf and strong rips are likely to linger
into Tuesday. Will have to watch this as Tuesday is shaping up
to be an ideal beach day.
Outlook /Tuesday through Friday/...
Tuesday: Winds less than 25 kt. Seas up to 5 ft.
Tuesday Night: Winds less than 25 kt. Areas of seas approaching
5 ft.
Wednesday: Winds less than 25 kt. Seas locally approaching
5 ft.
Wednesday Night: Winds less than 25 kt.
Thursday: Winds less than 25 kt. Seas locally approaching 5 ft.
Thursday Night through Friday: Winds less than 25 kt. Areas of
seas approaching 5 ft.
&&
.BOX WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
CT...None.
MA...High Surf Advisory until 9 PM EDT this evening for MAZ023-024.
RI...High Surf Advisory until 9 PM EDT this evening for RIZ006>008.
MARINE...Small Craft Advisory until 5 PM EDT this afternoon for ANZ230-
236.
Small Craft Advisory until 5 PM EDT this afternoon for ANZ231-
251.
Small Craft Advisory until 2 AM EDT Tuesday for ANZ232>234.
Small Craft Advisory until 2 PM EDT Tuesday for ANZ235-237.
Small Craft Advisory until 2 PM EDT Tuesday for ANZ250-254.
Small Craft Advisory until 8 PM EDT Tuesday for ANZ255-256.
&&
DISCUSSION...BW
AVIATION...BW/RM
MARINE...BWIn the hours before
Local storm report, Aug 3, 6:51 AM EDT, 1 hour 24 minutes before
Preliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service Boston/Norton MA
651 AM EDT Mon Aug 3 2026
..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON...
..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
..REMARKS..
0610 AM Flash Flood 3 NE Wilbraham 42.15N 72.39W
08/03/2026 Hampden MA Law Enforcement
In Palmer, Wilbraham St underpass was
flooded and impassable. Relayed by amateur
radio.
&&Local storm report, Aug 3, 6:53 AM EDT, 1 hour 22 minutes before
Preliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service Boston/Norton MA
653 AM EDT Mon Aug 3 2026
..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON...
..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
..REMARKS..
0610 AM Flash Flood 2 SW West Springfield 42.10N 72.68W
08/03/2026 Hampden MA Fire Department/R
In West Springfield, a basement was flooding
on Westfield St. Relayed by amateur radio.
&&Local storm report, Aug 3, 6:54 AM EDT, 1 hour 21 minutes before
Preliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service Boston/Norton MA
654 AM EDT Mon Aug 3 2026
..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON...
..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
..REMARKS..
0618 AM Flash Flood 1 E West Springfield 42.12N 72.63W
08/03/2026 Hampden MA Fire Department/R
In West Springfield, a basement was flooding
on Elm St. Relayed by amateur radio.
&&Local storm report, Aug 3, 6:59 AM EDT, 1 hour 16 minutes before
Preliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service Boston/Norton MA
659 AM EDT Mon Aug 3 2026
..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON...
..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
..REMARKS..
0656 AM Flash Flood 2 NW Agawam 42.09N 72.64W
08/03/2026 Hampden MA Law Enforcement
In Agawam, White Brook (also known as Deep
Guttar Brook) was out of its banks and
flooding North St with a car stuck in the
flooding. Relayed by amateur radio.
&&Local storm report, Aug 3, 7:09 AM EDT, 1 hour 6 minutes before
Preliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service Boston/Norton MA
709 AM EDT Mon Aug 3 2026
..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON...
..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
..REMARKS..
0705 AM Flash Flood 2 NE Agawam 42.08N 72.59W
08/03/2026 Hampden MA Law Enforcement
In Agawam, the Rt 5 underpass was flooded
and impassable with a car stuck in the
flooding. Relayed by amateur radio.
&&Local storm report, Aug 3, 7:23 AM EDT, 52 minutes before
Preliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service Boston/Norton MA
723 AM EDT Mon Aug 3 2026
..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON...
..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
..REMARKS..
0640 AM Flash Flood 2 N Enfield 41.99N 72.57W
08/03/2026 Hartford CT Law Enforcement
In Enfield, Cranbrook Blvd at Freshwater
Blvd was closed due to flooding. Relayed by
amateur radio.
&&The office that day
Everything else NWS Boston/Norton, MA issued on the same UTC day.
| Issued | Product | Office | Counties | Lasted |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aug 3, 5:55 AM EDT | Flash Flood Warning | BOX | Hampden, Hampshire | 3 hr |
| Aug 3, 6:49 AM EDT | Flash Flood Warning | BOX | Middlesex, Worcester | 3 hr |
| Aug 3, 12:00 PM EDT | Flash Flood Warning | BOX | Bristol, Plymouth | 105 min |
| Aug 3, 2:43 PM EDT | Rip Current Statement | BOX | Bristol, Dukes, Nantucket | 30 hr |
Nearby
Flash Flood Warnings in Rhode Island, 2026Flash Flood Warnings in Massachusetts, 2026Every flash flood warning in 2026
Sources
The product and its follow-ups from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet's archive of National Weather Service and Storm Prediction Center text; local storm reports from the same archive; the sounding from the Mesonet's radiosonde archive; radar from the NEXRAD Level II archive.