Natural Disaster Risk in Buzzards Bay

Natural Hazard Profile: Buzzards Bay, Massachusetts

Located along the northeastern Atlantic Seaboard in Barnstable County, Buzzards Bay is a city of approximately 13,267 residents. The humid continental climate that characterizes this part of Massachusetts — marked by cold winters with heavy snowfall and warm summers — directly influences the types and severity of natural hazards present, making Buzzards Bay a community where hazard awareness has real practical value.

Buzzards Bay's overall natural disaster risk is rated 6.2/10 (High) by FEMA's National Risk Index. Coastal flood risk defines the local natural hazard environment, with sea-level rise trends gradually increasing the frequency of tidal flooding events alongside storm surge threats. Secondary hazards include hurricane and lightning.

Relative to other U.S. communities, Buzzards Bay's natural disaster risk is above the U.S. national average of 4.5/10, near the 6.5/10 state average. The hazard distribution here is led by coastal flood and hurricane, as measured by FEMA across Barnstable County. While city-specific sub-county variation exists, these scores represent the best available federal risk estimate.

Buzzards Bay's high risk designation reflects meaningful exposure to natural hazards. Residents should verify that their insurance covers the area's primary risks, prepare a family emergency plan, and stay informed about seasonal hazard peaks through local weather and emergency management services.