RI Hurricane Evacuation Maps and Information
The Rhode Island Hurricane Evacuation Maps were prepared in coordination with the Army Corp. of Engineers, NOAA, FEMA, and local communities and are based on worst-case scenario hurricane inundation maps.
- These maps show shaded Hurricane Evacuation Zones that are recommended to be evacuated from potential worst-case Hurricane Surge Inundation. Areas that may become isolated by worst-case Hurricane Surge Inundation are also included in the Evacuation Zones. Inland areas, which may be exposed to fresh water flooding only, are not included in the Evacuation Zones.
- Evacuation Zone "A", shown in red, is recommended to be evacuated prior to an expected Category 1 or 2 hurricane. Evacuation Zone "B", shown in yellow, is recommended to be evacuated prior to an expected Category 3 or 4 hurricane.
- Hurricane surge elevations were determined by the National Hurricane Center using the Boston 2 (PV2) SLOSH model basin, and assumed peak hurricane surge arriving at mean high water.
- The Evacuation Zones are based on the Hurricane Surge Inundation that can be expected to result from a worst case combination of hurricane landfall location, forward speed, and direction for each hurricane category. For the Hurricane Surge Inundation Areas, see the map series entitled "Rhode Island Hurricane Evacuation Study, Hurricane Surge Inundation Mapping", May 2009.
Blue Emergency Evacuation Route Signs:
There are round blue Emergency Evacuation Route signs posted throughout coastal communities in Rhode Island. These signs lead people away from low lying and potentially dangerous areas (shaded in red and yellow) to higher safer ground. These signs DO NOT necessarily lead to shelters or a particular place. If you reside in these shaded areas, you should be aware of the evacuation routes in your community and have an idea of where you would evacuate to.
Remember for a smooth evacuation, everyone should have A Family / Personal Evacuation Plan with pre-identified ideas of places to go. To find out what shelters are open call your municipality's police department or emergency management agency.
Current Hurricane Evacuation Maps for Coastal Communities:
Click on the city or town name to view the map. You need the latest version of Adobe Reader to view these files.
Evacuation is Never Easy and Evacuees Should Be Prepared
The amount of time it takes to evacuate an area depends upon a variety of factors that include the size of the vulnerable population, high hazard areas and transportation routes. Evacuation is a difficult process for not only the evacuee who may spend hours waiting in traffic, but also for those emergency officials who must devote their skills to ensuring residents are moving as quickly and safely as possible.