High Surf in Rhode Island

6 high surf events since 2003

Every high surf event the National Weather Service has filed in Rhode Island, year by year, with the most significant episodes. Large waves breaking on the shore that caused damage, erosion or casualties.

The most significant on the map

The most significant high surf episodes in Rhode Island.

Tornadoes
Tropical storms and surge
Floods
Wind
Hail
Winter weather
Heat and drought
Cold
Fire, smoke and dust
Marine and coastal
Other

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The record

Events: 6
Deaths: 6
Injuries: 0
Damage: $500

Every year

The most significant

Ranked by deaths, injuries, damage and size together.

High Surf in Rhode Island, September 28, 20082 deaths · 1 eventTropical Storm and then Hurricane Kyle moved east of Massachusetts on its trek towards Maine and Nova Scotia. The effects of Kyle were minimal on Southern New England with heavy rainfall and high surf the only concerns.
High Surf in Rhode Island, October 28, 20182 deaths · 1 eventA strong storm system moved across southern New England early in the morning on the 28th. Gusty southwest winds prevailed on Oct. 28th in the morning, behind the storm. After having had storm and gale conditions on the 27th, high surf still lingered on the coastal waters.
High Surf in Rhode Island, September 18, 20031 death · 1 eventA 67-year old man drowned off the coast of Narragansett. High surf associated with Hurricane Isabel caused him to lose his footing near Black Point, sweeping him into the water.
High Surf in Rhode Island, August 6, 20141 death · 1 eventA 58 year old man was swept away by high surf while fishing on rocks at Beavertail State Park in Jamestown, RI.
High Wind and High Surf in Rhode Island, February 18, 2022$3,000 · 57 kt wind · 5 eventsDry and unseasonably mild weather with near record temperatures preceded a period of strong winds late Thursday into Friday. A shortwave trough moving toward the Great Lakes combined with a surface cold front moving through late Thursday brought these winds along with heavy rain.
Coastal Flood and High Surf in Rhode Island, August 22, 20092 eventsHurricane Bill developed into a tropical depression over the eastern Atlantic on August 15, 2009. Bill then strengthened into a hurricane over the next week, passing well to the east of Nantucket, August 22-23.

High Surf everywhere Every kind of event in Rhode Island

Sources

NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information, Storm Events Database, compiled from the National Weather Service’s monthly Storm Data. Complete through 2026-06; NCEI adds each month about 75 days after it ends and revises past years a few times a year. Rebuilt 2026-09-24.