New Bedford hurricane guide¶
New Bedford is a coastal city with a harbor protected by the New Bedford Hurricane Barrier. The city says it may need to evacuate low-lying areas outside the barrier because of storm surge flooding, and inside the barrier only in a rare, very severe storm. The city's Emergency Management Department runs NB Alert and a hurricane evacuation page.
Checked on October 10, 2026
Every phone number and web address on this page was checked against official sources on that date. Details can change, especially during a storm. Always follow instructions from the City of New Bedford. In a life threatening emergency, call 911.
What to know in New Bedford¶
- The city says that in all but the most severe storms, the evacuation area is the low-lying land outside the Hurricane Barrier. Evacuation routes generally lead south to north, and the city has evacuation route maps.
- The city names Keith Middle School as its primary mass care shelter and New Bedford High School as the backup. These are plans only. Shelters open only when the city announces it.
Emergency and information numbers¶
| Service | Number | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Emergency Management Department | 508-961-3060 | Office line at 151 Purchase Street. Not for emergencies. Also the help line for NB Alert sign up. |
Official alerts and information¶
- NB Alert: Free city alerts by phone, text, and email for weather emergencies, evacuation orders, and parking bans. Sign up before a storm. Emergency calls come from 866-419-5000. Website.
- New Bedford Hurricane Evacuation: The city's hurricane evacuation page, with evacuation areas, routes, and shelter plans. Website.
- New Bedford Know Your Zone: The city's page for finding your hurricane evacuation zone. Website.
- New Bedford Emergency Management: The city's Emergency Management Department page. Website.
County services that cover New Bedford¶
Bristol County manages evacuation zones, evacuation centers, and emergency alerts for everyone who lives in New Bedford. The Bristol County guide has the full list of county numbers, radio stations, and recovery help.
- Look up your evacuation zone
- Hurricane Evacuation Zones and Know Your Zone: MEMA's official zone map for your community. Website.
Related guides¶
- Should I evacuate?
- What to expect at a hurricane shelter
- Hurricane supply list
- After a hurricane: the first 24 hours
- Insurance claims and disaster aid
Sources¶
Checked on October 10, 2026. If a number or address here is wrong, please tell us at Keith@KMyers.me.