Orleans, MA natural hazards
Most of the natural-hazard damage FEMA expects in Orleans comes from inland flooding, and overall the risk is low for a U.S. community. Flood insurance has paid 52 claims here since 1978. 9 federal disasters brought FEMA money into town.
FEMA National Risk Index, December 2025 · OpenFEMA claims, aid & declarationsHow exposed is Orleans?
FEMA expects yearly storm and flood damage to homes and buildings in Orleans to be higher than in 24% of U.S. communities, mostly from inland flooding and hurricanes.
What Orleans faces
Each hazard’s share of the damage FEMA expects here, and how that compares with the rest of the country.
Inland flooding
Hurricanes
Coastal flooding
Lower here
Not a risk here
Does Orleans flood?
Every paid claim on a federal flood insurance policy in Orleans, from FEMA’s records.
Biggest named events
- The “Halloween” storm: 16 claims, $562K
- December Storm - Nor'easter: 9 claims, $74K
- Hurricane Sandy: 2 claims, $136K
Homes that flooded again and again
■ FEMA “severe repetitive loss” (1) ■ flooded 2+ times
are insured
are insured
What’s been done with FEMA grants
9 federal disasters brought FEMA money here
Disasters the President declared that paid out in Orleans itself: aid to households, or repair grants to the Town of Orleans.
Severe Winter Storm and Flooding
Severe Winter Storm, Snowstorm, and Flooding
Severe Winter Storm, Snowstorm, and Flooding
Hurricane Sandy
Tropical Storm Irene
Hurricane Earl
Hurricane Katrina Evacuation
Record And/Or Near Record Snow
Snow
Orleans and the towns around it
How to read this page
FEMA’s expected losses across Orleans total about $2.7M a year, counting buildings, people and crops.
Sources: FEMA National Risk Index (December 2025); OpenFEMA: NFIP redacted claims, multiple-loss properties, community status book and residential penetration rates, housing assistance (owners and renters), public assistance funded projects, hazard mitigation properties and disaster declarations. Census tracts: U.S. Census Bureau.