Holyoke, Massachusetts: natural disaster risk
How exposed Holyoke is to floods, storms and other hazards, from FEMA and NOAA records for Hampden County.
Holyoke is a city of 37,813 people in Hampden County, Massachusetts. FEMA's National Risk Index rates Hampden County relatively moderate for natural hazards overall, about average for the US. The costliest hazards there are inland flooding, hurricane and earthquake, with about $107 million in expected losses a year across the county. The weather service has logged 918 storm reports in the county since 1956, including 19 tornadoes and 119 floods. NOAA hurricane records show 8 hurricanes and 21 tropical storms passing within 65 miles of the county's center, 3 of them major. About 0.4% of homes in the county carry federal flood insurance.
Risk figures are for Hampden County. FEMA National Risk Index December 2025; NOAA Storm Events; US Census Bureau ACS 2020 to 2024. Updated November 6, 2026.
Top risks in Holyoke
Full Hampden 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 | $75M | |
| Hurricane | $12M | |
| Earthquake | $5M | |
| Cold wave | $4M | |
| Tornado | $4M | |
| Heat wave | $2M | |
| Strong wind | $2M | |
| Ice storm | $1M | |
| Hail | $890K | |
| Lightning | $443K | |
| Winter weather | $220K | |
| Drought | $218K |
Homes in Holyoke
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 Hampden County
More cities in Hampden County
Common questions about Holyoke
Is Holyoke safe from natural disasters?
Holyoke is in Hampden 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 Holyoke?
By expected yearly losses in Hampden County, the top hazards are inland flooding (High), hurricane (High), earthquake (Moderate). Hampden County has been part of 22 federal disaster or emergency declarations for natural events.
Does Holyoke get tornadoes?
Yes. NOAA records list 19 tornadoes in Hampden County since 1950; the strongest was an EF3 tornado on June 1, 2011 near Westfield. FEMA rates tornado risk in the county moderate.
Do I need flood insurance in Holyoke?
Standard home insurance does not cover floods. In Hampden County, about 0.4% 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.