New Bedford, Massachusetts: natural disaster risk
How exposed New Bedford is to floods, storms and other hazards, from FEMA and NOAA records for Bristol County.
New Bedford is a city of 100,998 people in Bristol County, Massachusetts. FEMA's National Risk Index rates Bristol County relatively moderate for natural hazards overall, about average for the US. The costliest hazards there are inland flooding, hurricane and earthquake, with about $87.3 million in expected losses a year across the county. The weather service has logged 527 storm reports in the county since 1953, including 13 tornadoes and 177 floods. NOAA hurricane records show 11 hurricanes and 23 tropical storms passing within 65 miles of the county's center, 2 of them major. About 1.9% of homes in the county carry federal flood insurance.
Risk figures are for Bristol County. FEMA National Risk Index December 2025; NOAA Storm Events; US Census Bureau ACS 2020 to 2024. Updated November 6, 2026.
Top risks in New Bedford
Full Bristol 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 | $62M | |
| Hurricane | $10M | |
| Earthquake | $4M | |
| Heat wave | $3M | |
| Cold wave | $2M | |
| Strong wind | $2M | |
| Tornado | $1M | |
| Coastal flooding | $922K | |
| Lightning | $650K | |
| Ice storm | $558K | |
| Drought | $295K | |
| Winter weather | $55K |
Homes in New Bedford
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 Bristol County
More cities in Bristol County
Common questions about New Bedford
Is New Bedford safe from natural disasters?
New Bedford is in Bristol 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 New Bedford?
By expected yearly losses in Bristol County, the top hazards are inland flooding (High), hurricane (Moderate), earthquake (Low). Bristol County has been part of 26 federal disaster or emergency declarations for natural events.
Does New Bedford get tornadoes?
Yes. NOAA records list 13 tornadoes in Bristol County since 1950; the strongest was an F3 tornado on June 9, 1953. FEMA rates tornado risk in the county low.
Do I need flood insurance in New Bedford?
Standard home insurance does not cover floods. In Bristol County, about 1.9% 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.