Worcester, MA
Local storm history & FEMA National Risk Index data
Worcester is rated Relatively Moderate for overall natural hazard risk — near the middle compared to other US counties — based on FEMA's National Risk Index for Worcester County, MA. The county's highest-rated hazards are ice storm, strong wind, and hurricane.
Storm events near Worcester
NOAA-recorded tornado, hail, and flood events within 25 miles of Worcester's center, 2016–2026 — the only hazards NOAA reports with exact coordinates, so these counts are specific to Worcester 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 Worcester County's FEMA National Risk Index scores, covering Worcester along with the rest of the county, not a Worcester-specific figure.
| Hazard | NRI score | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Wildfire | 62.6 | Very Low |
| Inland Flooding | 95.3 | Relatively High |
| Coastal Flooding | — | Not Applicable |
| Earthquake | 89.3 | Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave | 89.9 | Relatively Moderate |
| Tornado | 82.2 | Relatively Moderate |
| Avalanche | — | Not Applicable |
| Cold Wave | 92.4 | Relatively High |
| Drought | 72.6 | Relatively Moderate |
| Hail | 78.3 | Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane | 96.6 | Relatively High |
| Ice Storm | 98.6 | Very High |
| Landslide | 93.4 | Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning | 93.8 | Relatively High |
| Strong Wind | 96.8 | Relatively High |
| Tsunami | — | Not Applicable |
| Volcanic Activity | — | Not Applicable |
| Winter Weather | 64.4 | Relatively Moderate |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20.0, December 2025. See the methodology page for definitions, or the full Worcester County risk profile for disaster declarations, social vulnerability, and climate projection data.
Other cities in Worcester County:
More on Worcester County:
Frequently asked questions
What natural hazards is Worcester, MA at risk of?
Worcester is rated Relatively Moderate for overall natural hazard risk by FEMA's National Risk Index — near the middle compared to other US counties. The highest-rated hazards for Worcester County, where Worcester is located, are ice storm, strong wind, and hurricane.
What is Worcester's biggest natural hazard risk?
Ice Storm is the highest-rated hazard for Worcester County, where Worcester is located, scoring 98.6 out of 100 on FEMA's National Risk Index (rated "Very High").
Is Worcester a high-risk area for natural disasters?
Somewhat — Worcester carries near the middle compared to other US counties for overall natural hazard risk, per FEMA's National Risk Index rating of "Relatively Moderate" for Worcester County.
Has Worcester had tornadoes, hail, or flooding?
NOAA has recorded 19 tornado, 51 hail, 195 inland flooding events within 25 miles of Worcester since 2016.