Northampton, Massachusetts: natural disaster risk
How exposed Northampton is to floods, storms and other hazards, from FEMA and NOAA records for Hampshire County.
Northampton is a city of 30,962 people in Hampshire County, Massachusetts. FEMA's National Risk Index rates Hampshire County relatively low for natural hazards overall, lower than most of the US. The costliest hazards there are inland flooding, hurricane and cold wave, with about $37.3 million in expected losses a year across the county. The weather service has logged 649 storm reports in the county since 1954, including 9 tornadoes and 60 floods. NOAA hurricane records show 6 hurricanes and 20 tropical storms passing within 65 miles of the county's center, 1 of them major. About 0.8% of homes in the county carry federal flood insurance.
Risk figures are for Hampshire County. FEMA National Risk Index December 2025; NOAA Storm Events; US Census Bureau ACS 2020 to 2024. Updated November 6, 2026.
Top risks in Northampton
Full Hampshire 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.
- Insulate pipes in outside walls, crawl spaces and garages.
- Know how to shut off the main water valve.
All hazards
| Hazard | Rating | A year |
|---|---|---|
| Inland flooding | $25M | |
| Hurricane | $4M | |
| Cold wave | $2M | |
| Tornado | $1M | |
| Strong wind | $1M | |
| Earthquake | $1M | |
| Heat wave | $732K | |
| Lightning | $606K | |
| Ice storm | $493K | |
| Drought | $480K | |
| Hail | $346K | |
| Winter weather | $75K |
Homes in Northampton
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 Hampshire County
More cities in Hampshire County
Other cities in Massachusetts
All ›Common questions about Northampton
Is Northampton safe from natural disasters?
Northampton is in Hampshire County, which FEMA's National Risk Index rates relatively low overall, lower than most of the US. The biggest hazards are inland flooding, hurricane, cold wave. No place is free of risk, so check the flood map and insurance for any home you consider.
What natural disasters happen in Northampton?
By expected yearly losses in Hampshire County, the top hazards are inland flooding (Moderate), hurricane (Moderate), cold wave (Low). Hampshire County has been part of 21 federal disaster or emergency declarations for natural events.
Does Northampton get tornadoes?
Yes. NOAA records list 9 tornadoes in Hampshire County since 1950; the strongest was an F3 tornado on September 13, 1971. FEMA rates tornado risk in the county low.
Do I need flood insurance in Northampton?
Standard home insurance does not cover floods. In Hampshire County, about 0.8% of homes have federal flood insurance, and FEMA rates inland flooding risk moderate. Check the FEMA flood map for your address and get a quote even outside a high-risk zone.