Lowell Disaster Risk Score & Hazard Analysis
With a population of 114,799 and a calculated risk score of 93.8, Lowell faces unique challenges. This page is a complete hazard risk assessment for Lowell, MA. Life in Lowell comes with its own set of rewards. However, FEMA data points to some underlying risks. Your emergency plan should definitely account for lightning.
Total Risk Score
With a calculated Risk Score of 93.796, Lowell requires specific preparation. The data highlights Lightning as the most critical threat to mitigate.
Top Hazards for The Lowell Area
Meteorological data for Massachusetts confirms that local planning increasingly focuses on mitigating lightning. In light of this, based on multi-decade trend analysis, we assign an exposure rating of 98.6. Identifying a safe, windowless interior room is part of basic move-in preparation here.
When analyzing the risk profile of Massachusetts, Lowell's geography makes it particularly susceptible to hurricane risks. Crucially, we've weighted historical incidence rates to arrive at a localized risk verification of 97.4. Heavy rainfall events can quickly overwhelm local drainage, making situational awareness key.
In terms of regional hazard exposure in Massachusetts, the proximity to specific terrain features amplifies the river flooding risk. It is important to note that this value of 97.2 serves as a benchmark for local insurance and safety planning. Updates to flood maps suggest this risk vector is increasing for many neighborhoods.
The Apartment Fortress
Living in Lowell? Learn how to handle water storage, sanitation, and security in a small space.
How to Prepare in Lowell
Read the Full Guide →General preparedness is critical for Lowell. While specific risks vary, the fundamentals of survival—water, food, and information—remain the same.
Critical Action Checklist
- 1Keep a physical map of the local area in case GPS fails.
- 2Maintain a 3-day supply of non-perishable food and water.
- 3Have a first aid kit and a supply of prescription medications.
- 4Keep a battery-powered radio to stay informed during power outages.
- 5Establish a family communication plan for when cell towers are down.
Essential Gear for Lowell
Water
Scepter 2.5 Gallon Water Container
Lighter and easier to carry than the 5-gallon version.
Power
Jackery Explorer 300
Keep phones and laptops charged during multi-day outages.
Water
Sawyer Products Mini Water Filtration System
Filters up to 100,000 gallons. Essential when tap water is compromised.
Do not wait for a Lightning warning to start packing. Secure your essential gear today.
View Complete Gear Checklist →Compare Nearby Cities
| City | Risk Score | Analysis |
|---|---|---|
| Boston | 87.9 | When compared to Boston, Lowell is slightly higher risk. The difference of 5.9 points highlights local geological and meteorological variations. |
| Worcester | 88.5 | When compared to Worcester, Lowell is slightly higher risk. The difference of 5.3 points highlights local geological and meteorological variations. |
| Springfield | 74.0 | Springfield and Lowell share similar regional risks, but our data gives Springfield the edge in overall safety. |
| New Bedford | 82.8 | New Bedford and Lowell share similar regional risks, but our data gives New Bedford the edge in overall safety. |
| Cambridge | 93.8 | When compared to Cambridge, Lowell is slightly higher risk. The difference of 0.0 points highlights local geological and meteorological variations. |
Frequently Asked Questions
How common are Lightnings in Lowell?
With a risk score of 98.6 for Lightning, Lowell is considered highly vulnerable. Residents should have a specific plan for Lightning events, which are the primary driver of the city's overall risk profile.
Is Lowell safer than other cities in Massachusetts?
It varies by hazard. While Lowell has its own risk profile (Total Score: 93.8), it is among the higher-risk areas in Massachusetts. See our state rankings for a direct comparison.
Should I move to Lowell given the risk of Hurricane?
Every city has risks. The threat of Hurricane (Score: 97.4) is manageable with proper preparation. The local infrastructure in Lowell is designed to handle this, but personal insurance and a 'go-bag' are recommended.
How does Lowell compare to other cities in Massachusetts?
See the full Massachusetts Disaster Rankings to see how Lowell stacks up against other cities in the state.