Berkshire County, Massachusetts Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · MA
MediumComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 84th
Berkshire County faces medium composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 84.0, 84th national percentile), driven primarily by riverine flood and hurricane exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $52M.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025
Risk Overview
FEMA's National Risk Index rates Berkshire County at medium composite risk, with a National Risk Index score of 84.0 out of 100 — placing it in the 84th national percentile and near the national midpoint for natural-disaster risk. The score blends Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across all 18 FEMA hazard types.
Most of Berkshire County's expected losses come from riverine flood (rivers and streams overflowing their banks after heavy rain or snowmelt) at Medium risk — $41M in expected annual loss and about 2.64 events per year; hurricane (tropical cyclones bringing extreme wind, rain, and storm surge) at Medium risk — $3M in expected annual loss and about 0.08 events per year; and landslide (downhill movement of rock, soil, and debris on unstable slopes) at Low risk — $22K in expected annual loss and about 1.25 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $52M in expected annual loss for a population of 129K.
Beyond physical exposure, Berkshire County has a medium social vulnerability rating (how susceptible the population is to harm) and a very high community resilience rating (its capacity to prepare for and recover from disasters). A less vulnerable population paired with strong resilience helps the community absorb and recover from events.
The county's disaster history tells the same story: Berkshire County has received 23 federal disaster declarations since 1985, including 7 for snowstorm events and 6 for hurricane events. The most recent was Hurricane Lee (hurricane), declared in September 2023.
Among 14 Massachusetts counties, Berkshire County ranks #10 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Riverine Flood | Medium | 2.64 / yr | $41M |
| Hurricane | Medium | 0.08 / yr | $3M |
| Landslide | Low | 1.25 / yr | $22K |
| Strong Wind | Medium | 1.84 / yr | $1M |
| Ice Storm | Medium | 1.23 / yr | $293K |
| Cold Wave | Medium | 4.31 / yr | $2M |
| Earthquake | Low | 0.00 / yr | $921K |
| Lightning | Medium | 26.34 / yr | $469K |
| Avalanche | Very Low | 0.01 / yr | $3K |
| Winter Weather | Low | 21.77 / yr | $86K |
| Hail | Low | 3.12 / yr | $291K |
| Tornado | Low | 0.27 / yr | $1M |
| Heat Wave | Very Low | 1.74 / yr | $177K |
| Wildfire | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $11K |
| Drought | Very Low | 0.75 / yr | $7K |
| Coastal Flood | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Tsunami | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Volcanic Activity | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
Disaster History
Berkshire County has received 23 federal disaster declarations since 1985, most recently Hurricane Lee in September 2023. Most frequent causes: Snowstorm (7), Hurricane (6), Severe Storm (6).
| Declared | Type | Disaster |
|---|---|---|
| September 2023 | Hurricane | Hurricane Lee |
| March 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 Pandemic |
| March 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 |
| April 2013 | Severe Storm | Severe Winter Storm, Snowstorm, and Flooding |
| October 2012 | Hurricane | Hurricane Sandy |
| January 2012 | Severe Storm | Severe Storm and Snowstorm |
| November 2011 | Severe Storm | Severe Storm |
| September 2011 | Hurricane | Tropical Storm Irene |
| August 2011 | Hurricane | Hurricane Irene |
| March 2011 | Snowstorm | Severe Winter Storm and Snowstorm |
Showing the 10 most recent of 23 declarations.
Source: FEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries (OpenFEMA).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the overall natural disaster risk for Berkshire County?
Berkshire County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 84.0 out of 100, placing it in the Medium category and the 84th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.
What are the top natural hazards in Berkshire County?
The three highest-rated hazards are Riverine Flood (Medium, $41M EAL), Hurricane (Medium, $3M EAL), Landslide (Low, $22K EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Berkshire County compare to other Massachusetts counties?
Berkshire County ranks #10 of 14 Massachusetts counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a medium rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Berkshire County had?
FEMA records 23 federal disaster declarations for Berkshire County since 1985, most often 7 for snowstorm events and 6 for hurricane events. The most recent was Hurricane Lee, declared in September 2023.
What does Expected Annual Loss (EAL) mean?
EAL is FEMA's estimate of average annual dollar losses from natural hazards, calculated from historical event data and exposure models. Berkshire County's $52M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.