Cleveland, Tennessee: natural disaster risk
How exposed Cleveland is to floods, storms and other hazards, from FEMA and NOAA records for Bradley County.
Cleveland is a city of 48,829 people in Bradley County, Tennessee. FEMA's National Risk Index rates Bradley County relatively low for natural hazards overall, lower than most of the US. The costliest hazards there are inland flooding, earthquake and tornado, with about $35.8 million in expected losses a year across the county. The weather service has logged 441 storm reports in the county since 1963, including 27 tornadoes and 29 floods. NOAA hurricane records show 0 hurricanes and 3 tropical storms passing within 65 miles of the county's center. About 0.6% of homes in the county carry federal flood insurance.
Risk figures are for Bradley County. FEMA National Risk Index December 2025; NOAA Storm Events; US Census Bureau ACS 2020 to 2024. Updated November 6, 2026.
Top risks in Cleveland
Full Bradley 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.
- Ask whether an older house is bolted to its foundation.
- Consider separate earthquake insurance where risk is high.
- 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.
All hazards
| Hazard | Rating | A year |
|---|---|---|
| Inland flooding | $14M | |
| Earthquake | $8M | |
| Tornado | $7M | |
| Cold wave | $3M | |
| Strong wind | $914K | |
| Lightning | $806K | |
| Hail | $562K | |
| Heat wave | $346K | |
| Drought | $195K | |
| Ice storm | $169K | |
| Hurricane | $144K | |
| Winter weather | $138K |
Homes in Cleveland
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 Bradley County
Common questions about Cleveland
Is Cleveland safe from natural disasters?
Cleveland is in Bradley County, which FEMA's National Risk Index rates relatively low overall, lower than most of the US. The biggest hazards are inland flooding, earthquake, tornado. No place is free of risk, so check the flood map and insurance for any home you consider.
What natural disasters happen in Cleveland?
By expected yearly losses in Bradley County, the top hazards are inland flooding (Low), earthquake (Moderate), tornado (Moderate). Bradley County has been part of 16 federal disaster or emergency declarations for natural events.
Does Cleveland get tornadoes?
Yes. NOAA records list 27 tornadoes in Bradley County since 1950; the strongest was an EF4 tornado on April 27, 2011 near Pine Hill. FEMA rates tornado risk in the county moderate.
Do I need flood insurance in Cleveland?
Standard home insurance does not cover floods. In Bradley County, about 0.6% of homes have federal flood insurance, and FEMA rates inland flooding risk low. Check the FEMA flood map for your address and get a quote even outside a high-risk zone.