Newport Comprehensive Land Use Plan - Existing Conditions | Page 200

Newport Comprehensive Land Use Plan
On top of these increases, it is possible that Newport may see an increase in the frequency or severity of the natural
hazards already mentioned, such as hurricanes, thunderstorms, and nor’easters.
Table 14-1 highlights the effects climate change has had on Newport, Rhode Island, and the northeastern U.S.
Table 14-1 – Climate Change in Newport, Rhode Island, and the Northeastern U.S.
Air Temperature

Ocean Temperature

Sea Level Rise

Storm Intensity

Summer temperatures have
increased in the northeastern U.S.
by an average of 0.5 °F every
decade since 1970

Ocean temperatures in
the southern New
England coast have
increased by 2.2°F since
1970.
Winter water
temperatures in
Narragansett Bay have
risen 4°F since the
1960s

From 1931 to 2011,
sea levels in Newport
have risen at an
average rate of 2.68
mm per year

Approximately 12 to 15 nor'easters hit
the northeastern U.S. from November to
March every year

Winter temperatures have increased
in the northeastern U.S. by an
average of 1.3 °F every decade
since 1970

Source: Climate Change & Rhode Island’s Coasts

Rhode Island has declared disasters due
to hurricanes in 1954, 1955, 1985 1991
and 2005
Federal emergencies were declared for
coastal flooding in Rhode Island in 1993,
1996, 2003, 2005, 2010

Impacts of Natural Hazards and Climate Change

People
The most at risk population in terms of hazard vulnerability in Newport consist of those who require assistance due to
disabilities, chronic conditions, and special healthcare needs. The State of Rhode Island provides the Rhode Island
Special Needs Emergency Registry (RIDOH), which is a registry of Rhode Islanders who require assistance during
emergencies. Residents are encouraged to register so that effective and efficient assistance can be conducted during
emergencies.
Built Environment
Newport has an abundance of assets that could be at risk to natural hazards and climate change. The HMP highlights
Newport’s critical public facilities. These are facilities that are critical for delivering vital public services, protecting
the population, and for other important functions. Table 14-2 highlights such facilities.
The Newport Restoration Foundation has been active in addressing the potential damage that sea level rise can cause
on historic buildings and neighborhoods, especially as storms increase in both frequency and magnitude. The
foundation organized a conference in the spring of 2016 Keeping History Above water, which focuses on strategies to
protect historic buildings from water and storm damage associated with climate change. The Newport Restoration
Foundation is discussed further in Chapter 11, Historic and Cultural Resources.

Page 14-10

Draft Existing Conditions (March 2016)