Gloucester, Massachusetts: natural disaster risk
How exposed Gloucester is to floods, storms and other hazards, from FEMA and NOAA records for Essex County.
Gloucester is a city of 30,075 people in Essex County, Massachusetts. FEMA's National Risk Index rates Essex County relatively high for natural hazards overall, higher than most of the US. The costliest hazards there are inland flooding, coastal flooding and hurricane, with about $199 million in expected losses a year across the county. The weather service has logged 658 storm reports in the county since 1951, including 12 tornadoes and 137 floods. NOAA hurricane records show 8 hurricanes and 19 tropical storms passing within 65 miles of the county's center. About 2.8% of homes in the county carry federal flood insurance.
Risk figures are for Essex County. FEMA National Risk Index December 2025; NOAA Storm Events; US Census Bureau ACS 2020 to 2024. Updated November 6, 2026.
Top risks in Gloucester
Full Essex 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.
- Learn your evacuation zone; it is set by surge risk, not by distance from the beach.
- Ask about flood insurance even outside a mapped high-risk zone.
- 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.
All hazards
| Hazard | Rating | A year |
|---|---|---|
| Inland flooding | $125M | |
| Coastal flooding | $19M | |
| Hurricane | $15M | |
| Earthquake | $15M | |
| Tornado | $9M | |
| Cold wave | $4M | |
| Heat wave | $4M | |
| Ice storm | $3M | |
| Strong wind | $2M | |
| Lightning | $2M | |
| Drought | $2M | |
| Wildfire | $83K |
Homes in Gloucester
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 Essex County
More cities in Essex County
Other cities in Massachusetts
All ›Common questions about Gloucester
Is Gloucester safe from natural disasters?
Gloucester is in Essex County, which FEMA's National Risk Index rates relatively high overall, higher than most of the US. The biggest hazards are inland flooding, coastal flooding, hurricane. No place is free of risk, so check the flood map and insurance for any home you consider.
What natural disasters happen in Gloucester?
By expected yearly losses in Essex County, the top hazards are inland flooding (High), coastal flooding (Very High), hurricane (High). Essex County has been part of 36 federal disaster or emergency declarations for natural events.
Does Gloucester get tornadoes?
Yes. NOAA records list 12 tornadoes in Essex County since 1950; the strongest was an F2 tornado on November 21, 1956. FEMA rates tornado risk in the county high.
Do I need flood insurance in Gloucester?
Standard home insurance does not cover floods. In Essex County, about 2.8% 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.