Lowell, MA
Local storm history & FEMA National Risk Index data
Lowell is rated Relatively High for overall natural hazard risk — higher risk than most US counties — based on FEMA's National Risk Index for Middlesex County, MA. The county's highest-rated hazards are ice storm, inland flooding, and lightning.
Storm events near Lowell
NOAA-recorded tornado, hail, and flood events within 25 miles of Lowell's center, 2016–2026 — the only hazards NOAA reports with exact coordinates, so these counts are specific to Lowell itself, not the whole county.
County-wide hazard risk
Every other hazard FEMA and NOAA track — including drought — is only scored at the county level. These are Middlesex County's FEMA National Risk Index scores, covering Lowell along with the rest of the county, not a Lowell-specific figure.
| Hazard | NRI score | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Wildfire | 72.8 | Relatively Low |
| Inland Flooding | 98.5 | Relatively High |
| Coastal Flooding | 56.2 | Relatively Low |
| Earthquake | 96.1 | Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave | 95.7 | Relatively Moderate |
| Tornado | 90.1 | Relatively Moderate |
| Avalanche | — | Not Applicable |
| Cold Wave | 90.2 | Relatively High |
| Drought | 86.8 | Relatively Moderate |
| Hail | 23.6 | Very Low |
| Hurricane | 95.5 | Relatively High |
| Ice Storm | 99.7 | Very High |
| Landslide | 54.6 | Very Low |
| Lightning | 96.3 | Relatively High |
| Strong Wind | 94.1 | Relatively High |
| Tsunami | — | Insufficient Data |
| Volcanic Activity | — | Not Applicable |
| Winter Weather | 67.2 | Relatively Moderate |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20.0, December 2025. See the methodology page for definitions, or the full Middlesex County risk profile for disaster declarations, social vulnerability, and climate projection data.
Other cities in Middlesex County:
More on Middlesex County:
Frequently asked questions
What natural hazards is Lowell, MA at risk of?
Lowell is rated Relatively High for overall natural hazard risk by FEMA's National Risk Index — higher risk than most US counties. The highest-rated hazards for Middlesex County, where Lowell is located, are ice storm, inland flooding, and lightning.
What is Lowell's biggest natural hazard risk?
Ice Storm is the highest-rated hazard for Middlesex County, where Lowell is located, scoring 99.7 out of 100 on FEMA's National Risk Index (rated "Very High").
Is Lowell a high-risk area for natural disasters?
Yes — Lowell carries higher risk than most US counties for overall natural hazard risk, per FEMA's National Risk Index rating of "Relatively High" for Middlesex County.
Has Lowell had tornadoes, hail, or flooding?
NOAA has recorded 6 tornado, 75 hail, 287 inland flooding events within 25 miles of Lowell since 2016.