Enter any address in Worcester County, Massachusetts to see its FEMA flood zone
Flash flooding from intense thunderstorms is the most frequent type of flood event in Worcester County, MA, with 135 flood events and 78 flash flood events recorded over the last 30 years. Recent examples include flash flooding on May 8, 2025, and June 26, 2024, following strong storms. Widespread river flooding also occurs, as seen on January 10, 2024, when heavy rain and strong winds led to many rivers reaching major flood stage.
Homeowners in Zone A, which has seen the highest number of National Flood Insurance Program claims, should be particularly aware of their flood risk. Properties in Zone X_SHADED, despite fewer claims, have experienced the deepest average water depths and highest average payouts. Residents located near rivers or in low-lying areas should also pay close attention to flood advisories and warnings.
Summary generated from NOAA storm narratives and NFIP claim data for this county. Not predictive.
113 NOAA storm reports from this county describe what happened, in the words of the meteorologists who were there.
Worcester County, Massachusetts has recorded 219 flood-related events since 1996 according to NOAA's Storm Events Database, including 78 flash floods and 135 river or area floods. The county has received 32 federal disaster declarations, 5 of which involved flooding or coastal storms. Enter any address above to check its FEMA flood zone designation.
FEMA Disaster Declarations (1985–2023)
Source: OpenFEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries.
| Declaration | Type | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Hurricane Lee | Hurricane | Sep 15, 2023 |
| Severe Storms And Flooding | Flood | Sep 11, 2023 |
| Covid-19 | Biological | Jan 20, 2020 |
| Covid-19 Pandemic | Biological | Jan 20, 2020 |
| Severe Winter Storm And Snowstorm | Snowstorm | Mar 13, 2018 |
| Severe Winter Storm, Snowstorm, And Flooding | Severe Storm | Jan 26, 2015 |
| Severe Winter Storm, Snowstorm, And Flooding | Severe Storm | Feb 8, 2013 |
| Hurricane Sandy | Hurricane | Oct 27, 2012 |
| Severe Storm | Severe Storm | Oct 29, 2011 |
| Severe Storm And Snowstorm | Severe Storm | Oct 29, 2011 |
NOAA Storm Events Database (1996–2025)
Source: NOAA National Weather Service Storm Events Database.
| Type | Date | Damage |
|---|---|---|
| Flash Flood | May 8, 2025 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | Jun 26, 2024 | 0.00K |
| Flood | Jun 21, 2024 | 0.00K |
| Flood | Jan 10, 2024 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | Jul 29, 2023 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | Jul 21, 2023 | 0.00K |
| Flood | Aug 18, 2023 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | Aug 18, 2023 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | Jul 16, 2023 | 0.00K |
| Flood | Jul 14, 2023 | 0.00K |
Flash Flood — May 8, 2025
A stalled boundary produced very localized flash flooding as well as some quarter sized hail in central MA.
Flash Flood — Jun 26, 2024
Strong storms moved through southern New England overnight bringing a line of very strong winds, some flash flooding, and two tornados to Massachusetts.
Flood — Jun 21, 2024
Two rounds of thunderstorms brought damaging winds and isolated flash flooding to Massachusetts in the afternoon and evening.
Flood — Jan 10, 2024
A negatively tilted mid level trough swung through New England while at the surface a low pressure center passed directly over southern New England. This inland runner brought warm air so that all precipitation fell as rain, along with strong winds. There was a good deal of tree damage from the winds and widespread river flooding with many rivers going into major flood stage. Coastal flooding w...
Flash Flood — Jul 29, 2023
A shortwave disturbance and potent cold front brought multiple rounds of thunderstorms to Massachusetts in the afternoon and evening including a tornado in the Foxboro area. Flash flooding was also an issue with many cars becoming stuck in water and many closed roads.
Source: NOAA National Weather Service Storm Events Database.
Source: OpenFEMA NFIP Individual Claims (2.25M records analyzed).
FEMA assigns flood zone designations to areas in Worcester County, Massachusetts:
AE High Risk — 1% annual chance of flooding. Insurance required.
VE Very High Risk — Coastal flooding with wave action.
X (Shaded) Moderate Risk — 500-year floodplain.
X Low Risk — Outside major floodplains.
Properties in Worcester County, Massachusetts that are in FEMA-designated Special Flood Hazard Areas (zones A and V) with federally backed mortgages are required to carry flood insurance.
Even outside high-risk zones, flood insurance is recommended. From 2014 to 2024, nearly one-third of NFIP claims came from outside the high-risk Special Flood Hazard Area.
Visit FloodSmart.gov to find an agent and get a quote.