Johnson City, Tennessee: natural disaster risk
How exposed Johnson City is to floods, storms and other hazards, from FEMA and NOAA records for Sullivan County.
Johnson City is a city of 72,222 people in Sullivan County, Tennessee. Parts of Johnson City also reach into Washington County and Carter County. FEMA's National Risk Index rates Sullivan County relatively low for natural hazards overall, lower than most of the US. The costliest hazards there are inland flooding, earthquake and strong wind, with about $28.5 million in expected losses a year across the county. The weather service has logged 424 storm reports in the county since 1957, including 3 tornadoes and 46 floods. NOAA hurricane records show 0 hurricanes and 3 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 Sullivan County, the county with most of the population Johnson City sits in. FEMA National Risk Index December 2025; NOAA Storm Events; US Census Bureau ACS 2020 to 2024. Updated November 6, 2026.
Top risks in Johnson City
Full Sullivan 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.
- Secure outdoor furniture and trash bins before storms.
- Have trees near the house checked.
All hazards
| Hazard | Rating | A year |
|---|---|---|
| Inland flooding | $20M | |
| Earthquake | $3M | |
| Strong wind | $2M | |
| Tornado | $1M | |
| Lightning | $911K | |
| Cold wave | $859K | |
| Hail | $145K | |
| Hurricane | $113K | |
| Landslide | $105K | |
| Winter weather | $80K | |
| Heat wave | $51K | |
| Ice storm | $26K |
Homes in Johnson City
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 Sullivan County
More cities in Sullivan County
Common questions about Johnson City
Is Johnson City safe from natural disasters?
Johnson City is in Sullivan County, which FEMA's National Risk Index rates relatively low overall, lower than most of the US. The biggest hazards are inland flooding, earthquake, strong wind. No place is free of risk, so check the flood map and insurance for any home you consider.
What natural disasters happen in Johnson City?
By expected yearly losses in Sullivan County, the top hazards are inland flooding (Moderate), earthquake (Low), strong wind (High). Sullivan County has been part of 10 federal disaster or emergency declarations for natural events.
Does Johnson City get tornadoes?
Yes. NOAA records list 3 tornadoes in Sullivan County since 1950; the strongest was an F1 tornado on October 1, 1977. FEMA rates tornado risk in the county low.
Do I need flood insurance in Johnson City?
Standard home insurance does not cover floods. In Sullivan 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.