Bangor, Maine: natural disaster risk
How exposed Bangor is to floods, storms and other hazards, from FEMA and NOAA records for Penobscot County.
Bangor is a city of 31,938 people in Penobscot County, Maine. FEMA's National Risk Index rates Penobscot County relatively low for natural hazards overall, lower than most of the US. The costliest hazards there are inland flooding, hurricane and winter weather, with about $41.2 million in expected losses a year across the county. The weather service has logged 588 storm reports in the county since 1953, including 14 tornadoes and 62 floods. NOAA hurricane records show 1 hurricane and 9 tropical storms passing within 65 miles of the county's center. About 0.4% of homes in the county carry federal flood insurance.
Risk figures are for Penobscot County. FEMA National Risk Index December 2025; NOAA Storm Events; US Census Bureau ACS 2020 to 2024. Updated November 6, 2026.
Top risks in Bangor
Full Penobscot County report ›- Check the FEMA flood map for your address, and ask the seller or landlord about past flooding.
- Price a flood policy now. Most new federal policies take 30 days to start.
- Know your evacuation zone and route before June 1.
- Ask about roof age, shutters and the separate wind or hurricane deductible on your home policy.
- Keep a winter kit in the car.
- Have food, water and medicine for several days at home.
All hazards
| Hazard | Rating | A year |
|---|---|---|
| Inland flooding | $24M | |
| Hurricane | $5M | |
| Winter weather | $3M | |
| Ice storm | $2M | |
| Cold wave | $2M | |
| Earthquake | $2M | |
| Lightning | $1M | |
| Strong wind | $711K | |
| Tornado | $627K | |
| Drought | $304K | |
| Hail | $280K | |
| Heat wave | $202K |
Homes in Bangor
Older homes and mobile homes usually take more damage in storms, floods and earthquakes. Ask about roof age, flood history and retrofits before you buy or rent.
Strongest tornadoes in Penobscot County
Other cities in Maine
All ›Common questions about Bangor
Is Bangor safe from natural disasters?
Bangor is in Penobscot County, which FEMA's National Risk Index rates relatively low overall, lower than most of the US. The biggest hazards are inland flooding, hurricane, winter weather. No place is free of risk, so check the flood map and insurance for any home you consider.
What natural disasters happen in Bangor?
By expected yearly losses in Penobscot County, the top hazards are inland flooding (Moderate), hurricane (Moderate), winter weather (Very High). Penobscot County has been part of 20 federal disaster or emergency declarations for natural events.
Does Bangor get tornadoes?
Yes. NOAA records list 14 tornadoes in Penobscot County since 1950; the strongest was an F2 tornado on June 30, 1971. FEMA rates tornado risk in the county low.
Do I need flood insurance in Bangor?
Standard home insurance does not cover floods. In Penobscot County, about 0.4% of homes have federal flood insurance, and FEMA rates inland flooding risk moderate. Check the FEMA flood map for your address and get a quote even outside a high-risk zone.