Portland, Maine: natural disaster risk
How exposed Portland is to floods, storms and other hazards, from FEMA and NOAA records for Cumberland County.
Portland is a city of 68,854 people in Cumberland County, Maine. FEMA's National Risk Index rates Cumberland County relatively low for natural hazards overall, lower than most of the US. The costliest hazards there are inland flooding, hurricane and ice storm, with about $69.2 million in expected losses a year across the county. The weather service has logged 604 storm reports in the county since 1953, including 13 tornadoes and 70 floods. NOAA hurricane records show 3 hurricanes and 13 tropical storms passing within 65 miles of the county's center. About 1.3% of homes in the county carry federal flood insurance.
Risk figures are for Cumberland County. FEMA National Risk Index December 2025; NOAA Storm Events; US Census Bureau ACS 2020 to 2024. Updated November 6, 2026.
Top risks in Portland
Full Cumberland 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.
- Trim branches that hang over the roof or power lines.
- Plan for several days without power.
All hazards
| Hazard | Rating | A year |
|---|---|---|
| Inland flooding | $27M | |
| Hurricane | $16M | |
| Ice storm | $6M | |
| Coastal flooding | $4M | |
| Winter weather | $3M | |
| Earthquake | $3M | |
| Cold wave | $3M | |
| Strong wind | $2M | |
| Lightning | $2M | |
| Hail | $1M | |
| Heat wave | $1M | |
| Tornado | $703K |
Homes in Portland
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 Cumberland County
More cities in Cumberland County
Common questions about Portland
Is Portland safe from natural disasters?
Portland is in Cumberland County, which FEMA's National Risk Index rates relatively low overall, lower than most of the US. The biggest hazards are inland flooding, hurricane, ice storm. No place is free of risk, so check the flood map and insurance for any home you consider.
What natural disasters happen in Portland?
By expected yearly losses in Cumberland County, the top hazards are inland flooding (Low), hurricane (Moderate), ice storm (Very High). Cumberland County has been part of 35 federal disaster or emergency declarations for natural events.
Does Portland get tornadoes?
Yes. NOAA records list 13 tornadoes in Cumberland County since 1950; the strongest was an F1 tornado on July 9, 1962. FEMA rates tornado risk in the county very low.
Do I need flood insurance in Portland?
Standard home insurance does not cover floods. In Cumberland County, about 1.3% of homes have federal flood insurance, and FEMA rates inland flooding risk low. Check the FEMA flood map for your address and get a quote even outside a high-risk zone.