Natural Disaster Risk in West Townsend
Massachusetts
Risk Summary for West Townsend
West Townsend scores 7.9/10 (High risk), above the U.S. average of 4.5. The leading hazard is Ice Storm.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Scores
How it compares
Live Conditions
🏠 What this means for insurance
Above-average risk — check your policy limits
Standard homeowners insurance may not fully cover all hazards rated highly in this area. Verify that your policy includes adequate coverage for the top local hazards, and ask your insurer about specific endorsements or separate policies (e.g., flood, earthquake).
This is general information only. Consult a licensed insurance professional for advice specific to your property.
Natural Hazard Profile: West Townsend, Massachusetts
West Townsend, in Middlesex County, is a small community of about 2,280 situated along the northeastern Atlantic Seaboard. Its humid continental climate brings cold winters with heavy snowfall and warm summers, and in particular nor'easter storms bringing heavy snow and coastal flooding. These conditions collectively define the natural hazard environment that West Townsend residents and property owners must navigate.
West Townsend's overall natural disaster risk is rated 7.9/10 (High) by FEMA's National Risk Index. Freezing rain and ice accretion are the primary winter hazard, with glaze ice events capable of downing power lines, snapping tree limbs, and making roads impassable for days. Secondary hazards include earthquake and hurricane.
Within Massachusetts, West Townsend's risk is, slightly above the 6.5/10 state average. Nationally, it ranks well above the U.S. national average of 4.5/10. FEMA's analysis of Middlesex County identifies ice storm as the foremost hazard, followed by earthquake and hurricane. These rankings reflect the relative frequency and severity of each hazard type in the local environment.
West Townsend'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.
What this means for West Townsend: Ice Storm preparedness
- Have a backup heat source and charged devices ready before winter storms arrive.
- Prepare for multi-day power outages, as ice accretion frequently downs power lines.
- Keep walkways treated and avoid travel during freezing-rain events.
Local Factors for West Townsend
These city-level factors differentiate West Townsend from other communities in Middlesex County and provide geographic context for its hazard exposure.
Population
2,280
Small TownGeographic Zone
Atlantic Coast
Hurricane, nor'easter & coastal flood risk
Climate Band
Cool Continental
Latitude 42.7°
Flood Terrain
Minimal — county topography limits flood risk
Flood score: 1.0/10
Wildfire Exposure
Moderate — seasonal fire risk
Fire score: 7.6/10
Coordinates
42.6709° N, 71.7508° W
Middlesex County
Population and coordinates from SimpleMaps US Cities data. Hazard scores from FEMA National Risk Index. Geographic classification derived from coordinates.
Recent Climate Data for West Townsend
Last 12 months · Source: Open-Meteo archive
Notable Weather Days (last 12 months)
ZIP Codes in West Townsend
Other cities in Massachusetts
Data source: FEMA National Risk Index (NRI). Scores normalized to 1–10 across all US counties. City scores inherit county-level FEMA data. For informational purposes only.