Boston, Massachusetts: natural disaster risk
How exposed Boston is to floods, storms and other hazards, from FEMA and NOAA records for Suffolk County.
Boston is a city of 666,442 people in Suffolk County, Massachusetts. FEMA's National Risk Index rates Suffolk County relatively moderate for natural hazards overall, about average for the US. The costliest hazards there are inland flooding, hurricane and earthquake, with about $115 million in expected losses a year across the county. The weather service has logged 255 storm reports in the county since 1956, including 1 tornadoes and 71 floods. NOAA hurricane records show 10 hurricanes and 19 tropical storms passing within 65 miles of the county's center, 1 of them major. About 2.5% of homes in the county carry federal flood insurance.
Risk figures are for Suffolk County. FEMA National Risk Index December 2025; NOAA Storm Events; US Census Bureau ACS 2020 to 2024. Updated November 6, 2026.
Top risks in Boston
Full Suffolk 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.
- Ask whether an older house is bolted to its foundation.
- Consider separate earthquake insurance where risk is high.
All hazards
| Hazard | Rating | A year |
|---|---|---|
| Inland flooding | $60M | |
| Hurricane | $13M | |
| Earthquake | $12M | |
| Heat wave | $9M | |
| Cold wave | $9M | |
| Coastal flooding | $6M | |
| Tornado | $3M | |
| Lightning | $2M | |
| Hail | $615K | |
| Strong wind | $480K | |
| Ice storm | $329K | |
| Winter weather | $43K |
Homes in Boston
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 Suffolk County
More cities in Suffolk County
Other cities in Massachusetts
All ›Common questions about Boston
Is Boston safe from natural disasters?
Boston is in Suffolk County, which FEMA's National Risk Index rates relatively moderate overall, about average for the US. The biggest hazards are inland flooding, hurricane, earthquake. No place is free of risk, so check the flood map and insurance for any home you consider.
What natural disasters happen in Boston?
By expected yearly losses in Suffolk County, the top hazards are inland flooding (High), hurricane (High), earthquake (Moderate). Suffolk County has been part of 33 federal disaster or emergency declarations for natural events.
Does Boston get tornadoes?
Yes. NOAA records list 1 tornadoes in Suffolk County since 1950; the strongest was an EF2 tornado on July 28, 2014 near Chelsea. FEMA rates tornado risk in the county moderate.
Do I need flood insurance in Boston?
Standard home insurance does not cover floods. In Suffolk County, about 2.5% of homes have federal flood insurance, and FEMA rates inland flooding risk high. Check the FEMA flood map for your address and get a quote even outside a high-risk zone.