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02871 Portsmouth, RI — Natural Disaster History

📊 Disaster Profile: Portsmouth, RI (02871)

Portsmouth, RI (ZIP 02871) has a moderate disaster history with 48 recorded events. These include 35 floods, 5 hailstorms, and 3 blizzards. Total documented property damage amounts to $12.2M.

🌊 Floods — Primary Hazard

Floods represent the most common natural hazard in this area, accounting for 73% of all recorded events (35 total). Of these, 15 (43%) were rated at severity level 4 or 5 — the most intense on the normalized scale. The highest recorded severity for flood-related events here is 5/5 (extreme). Flood-related events have caused a combined $12M in documented property damage. The most recent recorded flood occurred on Aug 9, 2022.

⛈️ Hailstorms

Portsmouth has experienced 5 hailstorms on record. The most recent recorded hailstorm occurred on May 8, 2024.

❄️ Blizzards

Portsmouth has experienced 3 blizzards on record. Of these, 2 (67%) were rated at severity level 4 or 5 — the most intense on the normalized scale. The highest recorded severity for winter storm events here is 5/5 (extreme). Winter storm events have caused a combined $135K in documented property damage. The most recent recorded blizzard occurred on Feb 12, 2006.

🌍 Earthquakes

Portsmouth has experienced 2 earthquakes on record. The most recent recorded earthquake occurred on Mar 22, 1996.

💨 Severe wind events

Portsmouth has experienced 2 severe wind events on record. Wind-related events have caused a combined $15K in documented property damage. The most recent recorded severe wind event occurred on Oct 27, 2021.

🌪️ Tornadoes

Portsmouth has experienced 1 tornado on record. Tornado-related events have caused a combined $45K in documented property damage. The most recent recorded tornado occurred on Jul 23, 2008.

Notable Events

The most significant disaster event on record for Portsmouth was Flood on Mar 30, 2010, which caused $5.9M in property damage. Another major event was Flood (Mar 30, 2010), causing $3.5M in damages. Flash Flood on Sep 5, 2012 also caused significant damage ($1.5M).

📍 Nearby ZIP Codes

Explore disaster history for adjacent areas

Frequently Asked Questions

What natural disasters have occurred in Portsmouth, RI (02871)?

Based on federal and state records, ZIP code 02871 has experienced 48 natural disaster events. The hazard types affecting this area include floods (35 events), hailstorms (5 events), blizzards (3 events), earthquakes (2 events), severe wind events (2 events), and tornado (1 event). The primary hazard is floods, which account for 73% of all recorded events.

What is the most common natural hazard in ZIP code 02871?

Floods are the most frequently recorded hazard in Portsmouth, RI, with 35 events documented. These events have caused a combined $12M in property damage.

Is ZIP code 02871 (Portsmouth) prone to flooding?

Yes, Portsmouth (ZIP 02871) has 35 recorded flood events. These floods have caused $12M in total property damage. The most recent flood on record occurred on Aug 9, 2022.

Has Portsmouth (02871) ever been hit by a tornado?

Portsmouth has 1 recorded tornado event in the historical record. Total property damage from tornadoes in this area is $45K. The most recent tornado was recorded on Jul 23, 2008.

What was the worst natural disaster in Portsmouth, RI?

The most damaging natural disaster on record for ZIP code 02871 was Flood, which occurred on Mar 30, 2010. This event caused $5.9M in documented property damage. It was rated at severity level 5/5.

How much property damage have natural disasters caused in ZIP code 02871?

Natural disasters have caused a documented total of $12.2M in property damage in the Portsmouth, RI area (ZIP 02871). This figure is based on historical records from FEMA, NOAA Storm Events Database, and USGS, and covers events from the 1950s through the present. Actual damages may be higher, as not all events have complete damage assessments.

Data sourced from FEMA (disaster declarations, NFIP flood claims), NOAA Storm Events Database, USGS Earthquake Hazards Program, and NIFC wildfire records. Historical coverage varies by source, with most records beginning in the 1950s–1970s. Full methodology →

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