The 1938 Hurricane Of New England Is The Worst Natural Rhode Island Disaster

The 1938 Hurricane of New England is the biggest Rhode Island disaster that has occurred as a result of the forces of Mother Nature over the years. Coastal summer homes were swept out to sea by the hundreds, Block Island was almost completely submerged, and the damage inland was quite devastating. Let’s take a look at some rare images from that time 80 years ago.

The weather map from September 21, 1938 shows the hurricane. But a map does not even hint at the voracity of this storm.

Wikimedia Commons/ National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

A breaker with a reported height of 30 to 40 feet caused catastrophic damage to Island Park. Entire beach communities were destroyed as a result of the hurricane.

Wikimedia Commons/Steve Nicklas

An upended outhouse that was tossed around on Bay Shore. Structures were lifted off of their foundations and tossed around like beach balls.

Library of Congress/fsa 8c02272

A cargo boat stranded on Bay Shore after the water receded. Tides were up as much as 25 feet during the storm.

Library of Congress/fsa 8c02274

The storm left a path of uprooted trees all across New England. Inland the hurricane created a path and left chaos in its wake.

Library of Congress/fsa 8c02301

Widespread damage to houses, barns, and other structures was innumerable. Many people lost their lives during this horrific Rhode Island disaster.

Library of Congress/fsa 8c02277

More than 13 feet of water flooded some areas of Providence and as a result mass looting occurred. To this day, plaques mark the insane water level reached by the flooding from the New England Hurricane of 1938 and The Great Gale of 1815.

Wikimedia Commons/Kenneth C. Zirkel

Did you know about this Rhode Island disaster? Do you know of anyone that lived through the 1938 New England Hurricane? Share your stories in the comments section below.