Pittsfield, Massachusetts: natural disaster risk
How exposed Pittsfield is to floods, storms and other hazards, from FEMA and NOAA records for Berkshire County.
Pittsfield is a city of 43,457 people in Berkshire County, Massachusetts. FEMA's National Risk Index rates Berkshire County relatively moderate for natural hazards overall, about average for the US. The costliest hazards there are inland flooding, hurricane and cold wave, with about $51.8 million in expected losses a year across the county. The weather service has logged 1,019 storm reports in the county since 1955, including 19 tornadoes and 136 floods. NOAA hurricane records show 3 hurricanes and 14 tropical storms passing within 65 miles of the county's center. About 0.9% of homes in the county carry federal flood insurance.
Risk figures are for Berkshire County. FEMA National Risk Index December 2025; NOAA Storm Events; US Census Bureau ACS 2020 to 2024. Updated November 6, 2026.
Top risks in Pittsfield
Full Berkshire 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 | $41M | |
| Hurricane | $3M | |
| Cold wave | $2M | |
| Strong wind | $1M | |
| Tornado | $1M | |
| Earthquake | $921K | |
| Lightning | $469K | |
| Ice storm | $293K | |
| Hail | $291K | |
| Heat wave | $177K | |
| Winter weather | $86K | |
| Landslide | $22K |
Homes in Pittsfield
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 Berkshire County
Other cities in Massachusetts
All ›Common questions about Pittsfield
Is Pittsfield safe from natural disasters?
Pittsfield is in Berkshire County, which FEMA's National Risk Index rates relatively moderate overall, about average for 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 Pittsfield?
By expected yearly losses in Berkshire County, the top hazards are inland flooding (Moderate), hurricane (Moderate), cold wave (Moderate). Berkshire County has been part of 21 federal disaster or emergency declarations for natural events.
Does Pittsfield get tornadoes?
Yes. NOAA records list 19 tornadoes in Berkshire County since 1950; the strongest was an F4 tornado on August 28, 1973. FEMA rates tornado risk in the county low.
Do I need flood insurance in Pittsfield?
Standard home insurance does not cover floods. In Berkshire County, about 0.9% 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.