Cookeville, Tennessee: natural disaster risk
How exposed Cookeville is to floods, storms and other hazards, from FEMA and NOAA records for Putnam County.
Cookeville is a city of 36,088 people in Putnam County, Tennessee. FEMA's National Risk Index rates Putnam 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 $24.4 million in expected losses a year across the county. The weather service has logged 480 storm reports in the county since 1955, including 20 tornadoes and 73 floods. NOAA hurricane records show 0 hurricanes and 3 tropical storms passing within 65 miles of the county's center. About 0.2% of homes in the county carry federal flood insurance.
Risk figures are for Putnam County. FEMA National Risk Index December 2025; NOAA Storm Events; US Census Bureau ACS 2020 to 2024. Updated November 6, 2026.
Top risks in Cookeville
Full Putnam 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 | $9M | |
| Tornado | $6M | |
| Cold wave | $4M | |
| Earthquake | $3M | |
| Lightning | $1M | |
| Strong wind | $998K | |
| Hail | $619K | |
| Winter weather | $261K | |
| Ice storm | $246K | |
| Heat wave | $178K | |
| Hurricane | $59K | |
| Drought | $25K |
Homes in Cookeville
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 Putnam County
Common questions about Cookeville
Is Cookeville safe from natural disasters?
Cookeville is in Putnam 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 Cookeville?
By expected yearly losses in Putnam County, the top hazards are inland flooding (Low), tornado (Moderate), cold wave (Moderate). Putnam County has been part of 17 federal disaster or emergency declarations for natural events.
Does Cookeville get tornadoes?
Yes. NOAA records list 20 tornadoes in Putnam County since 1950; the strongest was an EF4 tornado on March 3, 2020 near Ensor. FEMA rates tornado risk in the county moderate.
Do I need flood insurance in Cookeville?
Standard home insurance does not cover floods. In Putnam County, about 0.2% 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.