Major Flood
13 ft
Current Water Level
Gage Height
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Streamflow
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Last Reading
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FLOOD STAGES
Know the flood categories.
Flood stages defined by the National Weather Service. Gage height data from USGS Water Resources.
Moderate Flood
11 ft
Minor Flood
9 ft
Action Stage
8 ft
What Floods at Each Level
22 ft
This is a serious and potentially life threatening flood situation, nearing or exceeding flood levels seen during the historic March 2010 Floods. Follow the directions of local officials if you are asked to evacuate. Do not go sightseeing and stay away from river banks, which can suddenly give way due to erosion and fast moving water. Swiftly moving water can pose an imminent threat to life. Evacuations are likely in Warwick, West Warwick and Cranston. Homes and businesses will be impacted.
20 ft
This is a serious and potentially life threatening flood situation, approaching flood levels seen during the historic March 2010 Floods. Follow the directions of local officials if you are asked to evacuate. Do not go sightseeing and stay away from river banks, which can suddenly give way due to erosion and fast moving water. Swiftly moving water can pose an imminent threat to life. Evacuations are likely in Warwick, West Warwick and Cranston. Homes and businesses will be impacted.
18 ft
This is a serious and potentially life threatening flood situation. Follow the directions of local officials if you are asked to evacuate. Do not go sightseeing and stay away from river banks, which can suddenly give way due to erosion and fast moving water. Swiftly moving water can pose an imminent threat to life. Evacuations are likely in Warwick, West Warwick and Cranston. Homes and businesses will be impacted.
16.5 ft
This is a serious and potentially life threatening flood situation. Follow the directions of local officials if you are asked to evacuate. Do not go sightseeing and stay away from river banks, which can suddenly give way due to erosion and fast moving water. Swiftly moving water can pose an imminent threat to life. Evacuations are likely in Warwick, West Warwick and Cranston. Homes and businesses will be impacted.
14.5 ft
Evacuations are likely near the Pawtuxet river in Warwick and Cranston. Both homes and businesses will be impacted from this flood event. Businesses and homes will be impacted on streets including but not limited to the following, in Warwick, Pioneer Avenue, Bellows Street, Venturi Avenue and River Street. In Cranston, Wellington Avenue and Avery Road. In West Warwick, Daisy Street, the lower ends of Canna, Begonia and Aster Streets, and portions of Providence Street to Route 2.
12 ft
Evacuations are likely near the Pawtuxet River in Warwick and Cranston. Both homes and businesses will be impacted from this flood event. Businesses and homes will be impacted on streets including but not limited to the following, in Warwick, Pioneer Avenue, Bellows Street, Venturi Avenue, and River Street. In Cranston, Wellington Avenue and Avery Road. In West Warwick, Daisy Street, the lower ends of Canna, Begonia and Aster Streets, and portions of Providence Street to Route 2.
11.5 ft
Homes and businesses are impacted in low lying sections of Warwick, West Warwick and Cranston. Affected roads in Cranston include Avery Road and Wellington Avenue. Affected roads in Warwick include Pioneer Avenue, River Street, Bellows Street and Venturi Avenue. In West Warwick, affected areas include Daisy Street and the lower ends of Canna, Begonia and Aster Streets.
11 ft
Structures and homes are impacted in low lying sections of Warwick. Affected areas include homes and businesses on Wellington Avenue and Avery Road in Cranston, as well as Pioneer Avenue, Bellows Street, Venturi Avenue and a portion of River Street in Warwick.
10 ft
Flooding will occur along Pioneer Avenue, Bellows Street and Venturi Avenue in Warwick. Some homes are impacted on Avery Road and Wellington Avenue in Cranston.
9.5 ft
Parking lots and roads are flooded in low lying areas of Warwick and Cranston near the Pawtuxet River. Impacted roads include River Street, Pioneer Avenue, Bellows Street and Venturi Avenue in Warwick.
9 ft
Minor lowland flooding will occur along the river as it flows through Warwick and Cranston.
Impact statements from the National Weather Service, describing what typically happens at each water level.
7-Day Water Level Chart
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Historic Crests
| Date | Stage | Flow |
|---|---|---|
| Mar 31, 2010 | 20.79 ft | 14,900 cfs |
| Dec 19, 2023 | 15.11 ft | 6,017 cfs |
| Mar 15, 2010 | 14.98 ft | 5,185 cfs |
Flood Inundation Map
NOAA has mapped what areas flood at different water levels for this gauge. View the interactive flood inundation map →
About This Gauge
USGS Site
NWS LID
CRAR1
River
Pawtuxet River
County
Providence, RI
Coordinates
41.7509°N, 71.4451°W
Get Flood Alerts for Pawtuxet River
StormCast monitors this gauge and sends a push notification to your phone when the water level crosses into a new flood category — even at 3 AM.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current water level of Pawtuxet River at Cranston?
The Pawtuxet River at Cranston gauge is maintained by USGS (site 01116500) and reports water levels every 15 minutes. Visit this page to see the latest reading updated live, or download StormCast to get push alerts when levels rise.
What is flood stage for Pawtuxet River at Cranston?
The NWS-defined flood stage for Pawtuxet River at Cranston is 9 feet. Action stage begins at 8 feet. Moderate flooding starts at 11 feet, and major flooding at 13 feet.
How do I get alerts when Pawtuxet River rises?
Download StormCast free on Google Play, go to River Gauges, and add Pawtuxet River at Cranston to your watchlist. StormCast will send a push notification to your phone whenever the water level crosses into a new NWS flood category.
Where is the Pawtuxet River at Cranston gauge located?
The gauge is located in Providence County, Rhode Island at coordinates 41.7509°N, 71.4451°W. USGS site number: 01116500. Data is provided by the U.S. Geological Survey and the National Weather Service.
More Resources
Source & Notes
Data provided by: US Geological Survey, Observations courtesy of U.S. Geological Survey
- Stage may be affected by ice.