Evacuation may be necessary during a hurricane or tropical storm due to risk of storm surge. Storm surge is an abnormal rise of water generated by a storm, over and above the predicted astronomical tide. The destructive power of storm surge and large battering waves is often the greatest threat to life and property during a storm, and can result in loss of life, destroyed buildings, beach and dune erosion, and road and bridge damage along the coast.
If you live, work, or plan to vacation in one of Massachusetts’ coastal communities, or near a river or other waterway connected to the ocean, you should "Know Your Zone." Use the static PDF maps below or the interactive evacuation zone map for your community to learn whether your home or business is in a predesignated hurricane evacuation zone.
Know Your Zone! Learn if You Live or Work in a Hurricane Evacuation Zone