Moderate Risk Massachusetts  ·  Tornado / Hurricane

Worcester County MA

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

5/ 10
Threat Score
Population
854,534
Area
1513
sq miles
Primary Hazard
Tornado / Hurricane
FEMA Disasters
26
federally declared

Worcester County in central Massachusetts was struck by a rare EF3 tornado on June 1 2011 that killed 3 people and caused hundreds of millions in damage across Springfield and Worcester. Massachusetts experiences few tornadoes but when they do occur they can be violent. Hurricane remnants regularly produce significant rainfall and flooding across the county's river systems.

// 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 Tornado / Hurricane
Secondary Hazard Winter Storm
FEMA Flood Zone Zone X (Moderate Risk)
Federally Declared Disasters 26
Last Major Event Tornado (June 2011)
Event Frequency Major event every 6–8 years

// Emergency Operations

Emergency Mgmt Phone (508) 793-1600
Emergency Shelters 22 designated facilities
Evacuation Routes I-290 East, I-90 East, I-395 North, MA-146 South

// County Profile

County Worcester County MA
State Massachusetts (MA)
Population 854,534
Area 1513 sq miles
FEMA Region Zone X (Moderate Risk)

// Major Cities

Worcester 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.

Pilgrim Nuclear Power Station MA
Nuclear Power Plant  ·  Plymouth, MA  ·  Holtec International (decommissioning)  ·  10-mi risk zone
7/10 High

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