Cambridge, Massachusetts: natural disaster risk
How exposed Cambridge is to floods, storms and other hazards, from FEMA and NOAA records for Middlesex County.
Cambridge is a city of 118,796 people in Middlesex County, Massachusetts. FEMA's National Risk Index rates Middlesex County relatively high for natural hazards overall, higher than most of the US. The costliest hazards there are inland flooding, hurricane and earthquake, with about $322 million in expected losses a year across the county. The weather service has logged 1,143 storm reports in the county since 1955, including 21 tornadoes and 225 floods. NOAA hurricane records show 8 hurricanes and 23 tropical storms passing within 65 miles of the county's center, 1 of them major. About 1% of homes in the county carry federal flood insurance.
Risk figures are for Middlesex County. FEMA National Risk Index December 2025; NOAA Storm Events; US Census Bureau ACS 2020 to 2024. Updated November 6, 2026.
Top risks in Cambridge
Full Middlesex 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 | $224M | |
| Hurricane | $30M | |
| Earthquake | $24M | |
| Cold wave | $9M | |
| Tornado | $9M | |
| Heat wave | $9M | |
| Ice storm | $8M | |
| Strong wind | $3M | |
| Lightning | $3M | |
| Drought | $2M | |
| Coastal flooding | $418K | |
| Wildfire | $268K |
Homes in Cambridge
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 Middlesex County
More cities in Middlesex County
Other cities in Massachusetts
All ›Common questions about Cambridge
Is Cambridge safe from natural disasters?
Cambridge is in Middlesex County, which FEMA's National Risk Index rates relatively high overall, higher than most of 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 Cambridge?
By expected yearly losses in Middlesex County, the top hazards are inland flooding (High), hurricane (High), earthquake (Moderate). Middlesex County has been part of 31 federal disaster or emergency declarations for natural events.
Does Cambridge get tornadoes?
Yes. NOAA records list 21 tornadoes in Middlesex County since 1950; the strongest was an F3 tornado on October 3, 1970. FEMA rates tornado risk in the county moderate.
Do I need flood insurance in Cambridge?
Standard home insurance does not cover floods. In Middlesex County, about 1% 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.