Tools & Applications

STORMTOOLS Mapping Application

The mapping associated with the first phase of this project provided the foundation for the STORMTOOLS Mapping Application. STORMTOOLS is a method to illustrate and display storm inundation, with and without sea level rise, for different types of storms that could occur along Rhode Island’s coastline.  At the simplest level the system can be used to access flooding estimates for different areas for coastal planners and current and potential homeowners.  

Predictions are provided that show water extent and depth at any given point for nuisance floods (1, 3, 5, and 10 yr recurrence intervals) and the 25-, 50-, 100-, and 500-year storm scenarios at the 95% confidence interval. Sea level rise of 1, 2, 3, 5, and 7 feet on their own as well as combined with each storm scenario are also modeled. Flooding maps are also provided for historical hurricanes to include 1938, 1954 (Carol), 1991 (Bob), and 2012 (Sandy). 

  • "STORMTOOLS for Beginners" is a one-stop map for all residents of Rhode Island to better understand their risk from coastal inundation and get answers to 3 questions:
      1. Is my property vulnerable to STORM SURGE?
      2. How DEEP will the water be on my property during a 100-year (1% chance) coastal storm?
      3. Will projected SEA LEVEL RISE affect my property?
  • "Advanced STORMTOOLS" provides a series of maps that illustrate what coastal flooding could look like in the future under different storm scenarios. It enables Rhode Island’s municipal officials and decision makers to better understand their risk from coastal inundation.

STORMTOOLS is accessed online through ArcGIS.com and can be used by anyone - there is no need to download software or go through extensive training. The maps are high resolution (1 m, 3.3 ft horizontal) and users can type in any address or zoom to an area of interest and toggle on or off the different storm and sea level rise scenarios in order to better understand their risk.

The STORMTOOLS application is housed at the Shoreline Change Special Area Management Plan’s website and can accessed here: STORMTOOLS

MyCoast: Storm Report – North Kingstown, RI

MyCoast RI is an effort to bolster community stewardship of changing shorelines, monitor shoreline change, increase awareness, support local-level and state government impacts planning, and leverage cooperative resilience initiatives. Visit the MyCoast Storms Report website.

RI-CHAMP

The RI-CHAMP project advances storm model capabilities and develops a real-time hazard and impact prediction system for hurricanes and nor'easters in Southern New England. The system includes cascading consequences of extreme weather impacting critical infrastructure such as wastewater treatment facilities, sewer systems, airports and seaports. Visit the RICHAMP.ORG website. 

Residential Guide to Stormwater

What people do in and around their homes can impact stormwater runoff and the water quality in your nearby rivers, lakes, and ponds. In this training, hosted by the Providence Stormwater Innovation Center, residents will learn stormwater-friendly landscaping and horticulture tips and techniques and how to treat your yard like a small ecosystem. The chemicals and pesticides you use in and around your home can be detrimental to your own plants and habitat as well as to downstream water quality. The training will also provide information on how to design, size, construct, and maintain residential rain gardens and rain barrels. Rain garden site assessment, soil analysis, plant selection, and safety measures are all critical elements to consider when constructing a rain garden at your home.