Massachusetts Hazard Information

Massachusetts Hazards

Floods

Relatively high streamflows that overflow the natural or artificial banks of a stream or that submerge land not normally below the water level.

Droughts

Conditions of moisture deficit sufficient to have an adverse effect on streamflow, groundwater levels, vegetation, animals, and man over a sizeable area.

Earthquakes

Ground shaking caused by the sudden release of accumulated strain by an abrupt shift of rock along a fracture in the Earth or by volcanic or magmatic activity, or other sudden stress changes in the Earth.

News Releases

• Landsat Tracks Long Tornado Swath in Massachusetts

Other Hazard Resources

USGS National Resources:

• Natural Hazards Gateway
• Earthquake Hazards Program
• Volcano Hazards Program
• Water Watch: Flood Watch | Drought Watch

NOAA Resources:

• National Weather Service Forecast Office, Boston, MA
• National Hurricane Center
• Rip Current Safety
• Surf Zone Forecast