Moderate Risk Massachusetts  ·  Hurricane / Nor'easter

Middlesex County MA

EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS & DISASTER RISK PROFILE  ·  LAST UPDATED: Mar 2026

5/ 10
Threat Score
Population
1
Area
818
sq miles
Primary Hazard
Hurricane / Nor'easter
FEMA Disasters
6
federally declared

Middlesex County is the most populous county in New England home to Cambridge and over 30 municipalities in the greater Boston area. Cambridge hosts Harvard University and MIT — two of the world's most important research universities. Route 128 is home to the highest concentration of biotechnology and technology companies in the world. The Merrimack Mystic and Charles Rivers create flooding risk. Ida in 2021 caused significant flooding across the county.

// Preparedness Recommendations

  • Evacuation routes inland should be identified in advance.
  • Store at least 72 hours of food and water.
  • Elevate critical belongings above flood level.
  • Have backup power ready in case of grid failure.

// Recommended Supplies

Essential gear for power outages, severe weather, and emergency situations in your area.

// Risk Intelligence

Threat Score 5 / 10    Moderate Risk
Primary Hazard Hurricane / Nor'easter
Secondary Hazard Flash Flooding
FEMA Flood Zone Moderate
Federally Declared Disasters 6
Last Major Event Ida 2021
Event Frequency Annual

// Emergency Operations

Emergency Mgmt Phone (617) 625-6600
Emergency Shelters 30 designated facilities
Evacuation Routes I-95 I-93 MA-2 US-3

// County Profile

County Middlesex County MA
State Massachusetts (MA)
Population 1
Area 818 sq miles
FEMA Region Moderate

// Major Cities

Somerville MA Newton MA Waltham MA Medford MA Lowell MA Cambridge MA Burlington MA

// Cities in This County

// Other Massachusetts Counties

// Nearby Infrastructure Risks

Critical infrastructure facilities within or near this area that could affect civilian safety during emergencies, conflict, or infrastructure failures.

Industri-Plex Superfund Site MA
Superfund Site  ·  Woburn, MA  ·  Various / EPA  ·  5-mi risk zone
8/10 High
Algonquin Gas Transmission Pipeline MA CT
Chemical Facility  ·  Acton, MA  ·  Algonquin Gas Transmission / Enbridge  ·  10-mi risk zone
8/10 High
🌉
MIT Cambridge MA
Bridge / Critical Crossing  ·  Cambridge, MA  ·  Massachusetts Institute of Technology  ·  5-mi risk zone
7/10 High

Infrastructure risk data is for emergency preparedness awareness. Facility locations are publicly known. Always follow official emergency guidance.