Cranston, Rhode Island: natural disaster risk
How exposed Cranston is to floods, storms and other hazards, from FEMA and NOAA records for Providence County.
Cranston is a city of 83,250 people in Providence County, Rhode Island. FEMA's National Risk Index rates Providence County relatively moderate for natural hazards overall, about average for the US. The costliest hazards there are inland flooding, hurricane and heat wave, with about $130 million in expected losses a year across the county. The weather service has logged 448 storm reports in the county since 1957, including 12 tornadoes and 146 floods. NOAA hurricane records show 12 hurricanes and 21 tropical storms passing within 65 miles of the county's center, 2 of them major. About 0.5% of homes in the county carry federal flood insurance.
Risk figures are for Providence County. FEMA National Risk Index December 2025; NOAA Storm Events; US Census Bureau ACS 2020 to 2024. Updated November 6, 2026.
Top risks in Cranston
Full Providence County report ›- Check the FEMA flood map for your address, and ask the seller or landlord about past flooding.
- Price a flood policy now. Most new federal policies take 30 days to start.
- Know your evacuation zone and route before June 1.
- Ask about roof age, shutters and the separate wind or hurricane deductible on your home policy.
- Check that cooling works before summer.
- Know where the nearest cooling center is.
All hazards
| Hazard | Rating | A year |
|---|---|---|
| Inland flooding | $93M | |
| Hurricane | $9M | |
| Heat wave | $9M | |
| Cold wave | $7M | |
| Earthquake | $4M | |
| Tornado | $3M | |
| Lightning | $1M | |
| Ice storm | $661K | |
| Hail | $636K | |
| Strong wind | $553K | |
| Coastal flooding | $305K | |
| Winter weather | $37K |
Homes in Cranston
Older homes and mobile homes usually take more damage in storms, floods and earthquakes. Ask about roof age, flood history and retrofits before you buy or rent.
Strongest tornadoes in Providence County
More cities in Providence County
Common questions about Cranston
Is Cranston safe from natural disasters?
Cranston is in Providence County, which FEMA's National Risk Index rates relatively moderate overall, about average for the US. The biggest hazards are inland flooding, hurricane, heat wave. No place is free of risk, so check the flood map and insurance for any home you consider.
What natural disasters happen in Cranston?
By expected yearly losses in Providence County, the top hazards are inland flooding (High), hurricane (Moderate), heat wave (High). Providence County has been part of 21 federal disaster or emergency declarations for natural events.
Does Cranston get tornadoes?
Yes. NOAA records list 12 tornadoes in Providence County since 1950; the strongest was an F2 tornado on August 7, 1986. FEMA rates tornado risk in the county moderate.
Do I need flood insurance in Cranston?
Standard home insurance does not cover floods. In Providence County, about 0.5% of homes have federal flood insurance, and FEMA rates inland flooding risk high. Check the FEMA flood map for your address and get a quote even outside a high-risk zone.