Chattanooga, Tennessee: natural disaster risk
How exposed Chattanooga is to floods, storms and other hazards, from FEMA and NOAA records for Hamilton County.
Chattanooga is a city of 185,783 people in Hamilton County, Tennessee. FEMA's National Risk Index rates Hamilton County relatively moderate for natural hazards overall, about average for the US. The costliest hazards there are inland flooding, tornado and earthquake, with about $140 million in expected losses a year across the county. The weather service has logged 797 storm reports in the county since 1956, including 27 tornadoes and 85 floods. NOAA hurricane records show 0 hurricanes and 3 tropical storms passing within 65 miles of the county's center. About 1% of homes in the county carry federal flood insurance.
Risk figures are for Hamilton County. FEMA National Risk Index December 2025; NOAA Storm Events; US Census Bureau ACS 2020 to 2024. Updated November 6, 2026.
Top risks in Chattanooga
Full Hamilton County report ›- Check the FEMA flood map for your address, and ask the seller or landlord about past flooding.
- Price a flood policy now. Most new federal policies take 30 days to start.
- Pick a shelter spot: a basement, or an inside room on the lowest floor with no windows.
- Turn on emergency alerts on your phone and keep a weather radio.
- Ask whether an older house is bolted to its foundation.
- Consider separate earthquake insurance where risk is high.
All hazards
| Hazard | Rating | A year |
|---|---|---|
| Inland flooding | $75M | |
| Tornado | $32M | |
| Earthquake | $17M | |
| Cold wave | $5M | |
| Strong wind | $5M | |
| Lightning | $2M | |
| Heat wave | $1M | |
| Hail | $1M | |
| Ice storm | $652K | |
| Winter weather | $594K | |
| Hurricane | $276K | |
| Wildfire | $185K |
Homes in Chattanooga
Older homes and mobile homes usually take more damage in storms, floods and earthquakes. Ask about roof age, flood history and retrofits before you buy or rent.
Strongest tornadoes in Hamilton County
Common questions about Chattanooga
Is Chattanooga safe from natural disasters?
Chattanooga is in Hamilton County, which FEMA's National Risk Index rates relatively moderate overall, about average for the US. The biggest hazards are inland flooding, tornado, earthquake. No place is free of risk, so check the flood map and insurance for any home you consider.
What natural disasters happen in Chattanooga?
By expected yearly losses in Hamilton County, the top hazards are inland flooding (High), tornado (High), earthquake (Moderate). Hamilton County has been part of 23 federal disaster or emergency declarations for natural events.
Does Chattanooga get tornadoes?
Yes. NOAA records list 27 tornadoes in Hamilton County since 1950; the strongest was an EF4 tornado on April 27, 2011 near Apison. FEMA rates tornado risk in the county high.
Do I need flood insurance in Chattanooga?
Standard home insurance does not cover floods. In Hamilton County, about 1% of homes have federal flood insurance, and FEMA rates inland flooding risk high. Check the FEMA flood map for your address and get a quote even outside a high-risk zone.