Franklin, Tennessee: natural disaster risk
How exposed Franklin is to floods, storms and other hazards, from FEMA and NOAA records for Williamson County.
Franklin is a city of 87,133 people in Williamson County, Tennessee. FEMA's National Risk Index rates Williamson County relatively moderate for natural hazards overall, about average for the US. The costliest hazards there are inland flooding, cold wave and tornado, with about $98 million in expected losses a year across the county. The weather service has logged 795 storm reports in the county since 1960, including 26 tornadoes and 101 floods. NOAA hurricane records show 0 hurricanes and 5 tropical storms passing within 65 miles of the county's center. About 2.4% of homes in the county carry federal flood insurance.
Risk figures are for Williamson County. FEMA National Risk Index December 2025; NOAA Storm Events; US Census Bureau ACS 2020 to 2024. Updated November 6, 2026.
Top risks in Franklin
Full Williamson 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.
- Insulate pipes in outside walls, crawl spaces and garages.
- Know how to shut off the main water valve.
- 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 | $57M | |
| Cold wave | $13M | |
| Tornado | $12M | |
| Earthquake | $8M | |
| Strong wind | $3M | |
| Heat wave | $2M | |
| Ice storm | $1M | |
| Winter weather | $469K | |
| Lightning | $468K | |
| Hail | $332K | |
| Drought | $77K | |
| Hurricane | $55K |
Homes in Franklin
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 Williamson County
More cities in Williamson County
Common questions about Franklin
Is Franklin safe from natural disasters?
Franklin is in Williamson County, which FEMA's National Risk Index rates relatively moderate overall, about average for the US. The biggest hazards are inland flooding, cold wave, tornado. No place is free of risk, so check the flood map and insurance for any home you consider.
What natural disasters happen in Franklin?
By expected yearly losses in Williamson County, the top hazards are inland flooding (Moderate), cold wave (High), tornado (Moderate). Williamson County has been part of 14 federal disaster or emergency declarations for natural events.
Does Franklin get tornadoes?
Yes. NOAA records list 26 tornadoes in Williamson County since 1950; the strongest was an F4 tornado on December 24, 1988. FEMA rates tornado risk in the county moderate.
Do I need flood insurance in Franklin?
Standard home insurance does not cover floods. In Williamson County, about 2.4% 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.