Massachusetts has four distinct seasons, and its topography is best described as a blend of forest, rolling hills, and tidal shoreline. While the Northeastern coastal state may not seem like the type of place for tornadic activity or even drought, Massachusetts is no stranger to extreme weather events.
Most of the time, Massachusetts experiences comfortable and normal temperatures throughout the seasons, which typically results in pleasant weather. The summer temperatures may reach
up to 90 degrees while the fall temps are closer to the 50 to 70-degree range. Winter temperatures often stay within freezing with occasional dips below zero.
While the weather in Massachusetts may seem idyllic to many residents and tourists to The Pilgrim State, weather events often come as a surprise and result in structural damage, power outages, and other issues for homeowners.
For decades, Massachusetts averaged about two to three tornadoes per year, but recently tornadoes have become more prevalent. In July and August of 2018, three tornadoes hit Worcester County during a ten-day stretch.
In June 2011, a tornado touched down for 40 miles from Westfield to Charlton, resulting in three fatalities and damaging over 1,000 homes and buildings. Three years later, a tornado hit Revere, in Suffolk County, for the first time in over 60 years, damaging dozens of structures.
Despite its location on the East Coast, Massachusetts doesn’t experience as many hurricanes as other states along the coast. Hurricane Bob, in 1991, was the last hurricane to cause
significant damage in Massachusetts.
If we consider the increase of hurricane activity within the last few years, it may only be a matter of time before Massachusetts feels the effects of another large hurricane.
There are an estimated 84,000 residents in Massachusetts who are at risk of coastal flooding.
Climatologists predict that by the year 2050, the people at risk of coastal flooding (due to risingsea levels) will double.
As the risk of flooding continues, structural damage is likely, residents of communities may be displaced, and infrastructure designed to prevent flooding may fail.
The Massachusetts Property Insurance Underwriting Association (MPIUA), which is also known as the Massachusetts FAIR Plan (or Fair Access to Insurance Requirements) offers basic property insurance to homeowners who are otherwise unable to get insurance through the voluntary market.
Before you settle on the FAIR Plan, the private insurance marketplace may be your best alternative to the Massachusetts FAIR Plan, and you may find high-quality and affordable coverage.