Columbia, Tennessee: natural disaster risk
How exposed Columbia is to floods, storms and other hazards, from FEMA and NOAA records for Maury County.
Columbia is a city of 45,441 people in Maury County, Tennessee. FEMA's National Risk Index rates Maury County relatively low for natural hazards overall, lower than most of the US. The costliest hazards there are inland flooding, tornado and cold wave, with about $46.2 million in expected losses a year across the county. The weather service has logged 522 storm reports in the county since 1956, including 22 tornadoes and 81 floods. NOAA hurricane records show 0 hurricanes and 4 tropical storms passing within 65 miles of the county's center. About 0.4% of homes in the county carry federal flood insurance.
Risk figures are for Maury County. FEMA National Risk Index December 2025; NOAA Storm Events; US Census Bureau ACS 2020 to 2024. Updated November 6, 2026.
Top risks in Columbia
Full Maury 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.
- Insulate pipes in outside walls, crawl spaces and garages.
- Know how to shut off the main water valve.
All hazards
| Hazard | Rating | A year |
|---|---|---|
| Inland flooding | $18M | |
| Tornado | $12M | |
| Cold wave | $6M | |
| Earthquake | $6M | |
| Strong wind | $3M | |
| Heat wave | $679K | |
| Ice storm | $522K | |
| Lightning | $344K | |
| Winter weather | $158K | |
| Hail | $31K | |
| Hurricane | $30K | |
| Drought | $23K |
Homes in Columbia
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 Maury County
More cities in Maury County
Common questions about Columbia
Is Columbia safe from natural disasters?
Columbia is in Maury County, which FEMA's National Risk Index rates relatively low overall, lower than most of the US. The biggest hazards are inland flooding, tornado, cold wave. No place is free of risk, so check the flood map and insurance for any home you consider.
What natural disasters happen in Columbia?
By expected yearly losses in Maury County, the top hazards are inland flooding (Moderate), tornado (High), cold wave (Moderate). Maury County has been part of 19 federal disaster or emergency declarations for natural events.
Does Columbia get tornadoes?
Yes. NOAA records list 22 tornadoes in Maury County since 1950; the strongest was an EF3 tornado on May 8, 2024 near Union Grove. FEMA rates tornado risk in the county high.
Do I need flood insurance in Columbia?
Standard home insurance does not cover floods. In Maury County, about 0.4% of homes have federal flood insurance, and FEMA rates inland flooding risk moderate. Check the FEMA flood map for your address and get a quote even outside a high-risk zone.