Methuen, MA
Local storm history & FEMA National Risk Index data
Methuen is rated Relatively High for overall natural hazard risk — higher risk than most US counties — based on FEMA's National Risk Index for Essex County, MA. The county's highest-rated hazards are coastal flooding, ice storm, and inland flooding.
Storm events near Methuen
NOAA-recorded tornado, hail, and flood events within 25 miles of Methuen's center, 2016–2026 — the only hazards NOAA reports with exact coordinates, so these counts are specific to Methuen 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 Essex County's FEMA National Risk Index scores, covering Methuen along with the rest of the county, not a Methuen-specific figure.
| Hazard | NRI score | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Wildfire | 59.2 | Very Low |
| Inland Flooding | 97.1 | Relatively High |
| Coastal Flooding | 97.8 | Very High |
| Earthquake | 94.9 | Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave | 91.8 | Relatively Moderate |
| Tornado | 92.4 | Relatively High |
| Avalanche | — | Not Applicable |
| Cold Wave | 79.6 | Relatively Moderate |
| Drought | 89.9 | Relatively Moderate |
| Hail | 14.9 | Very Low |
| Hurricane | 93.3 | Relatively High |
| Ice Storm | 97.4 | Very High |
| Landslide | 62.6 | Relatively Low |
| Lightning | 95 | Relatively High |
| Strong Wind | 88.7 | Relatively High |
| Tsunami | — | Insufficient Data |
| Volcanic Activity | — | Not Applicable |
| Winter Weather | 46 | Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20.0, December 2025. See the methodology page for definitions, or the full Essex County risk profile for disaster declarations, social vulnerability, and climate projection data.
Other cities in Essex County:
More on Essex County:
Frequently asked questions
What natural hazards is Methuen, MA at risk of?
Methuen 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 Essex County, where Methuen is located, are coastal flooding, ice storm, and inland flooding.
What is Methuen's biggest natural hazard risk?
Coastal Flooding is the highest-rated hazard for Essex County, where Methuen is located, scoring 97.8 out of 100 on FEMA's National Risk Index (rated "Very High").
Is Methuen a high-risk area for natural disasters?
Yes — Methuen carries higher risk than most US counties for overall natural hazard risk, per FEMA's National Risk Index rating of "Relatively High" for Essex County.
Has Methuen had tornadoes, hail, or flooding?
NOAA has recorded 1 tornado, 78 hail, 197 inland flooding events within 25 miles of Methuen since 2016.