Knoxville, Tennessee: natural disaster risk
How exposed Knoxville is to floods, storms and other hazards, from FEMA and NOAA records for Knox County.
Knoxville is a city of 195,185 people in Knox County, Tennessee. FEMA's National Risk Index rates Knox County relatively moderate for natural hazards overall, about average for the US. The costliest hazards there are inland flooding, earthquake and tornado, with about $131 million in expected losses a year across the county. The weather service has logged 799 storm reports in the county since 1955, including 15 tornadoes and 117 floods. NOAA hurricane records show 0 hurricanes and 3 tropical storms passing within 65 miles of the county's center. About 0.5% of homes in the county carry federal flood insurance.
Risk figures are for Knox County. FEMA National Risk Index December 2025; NOAA Storm Events; US Census Bureau ACS 2020 to 2024. Updated November 6, 2026.
Top risks in Knoxville
Full Knox 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 | $61M | |
| Earthquake | $30M | |
| Tornado | $20M | |
| Cold wave | $10M | |
| Lightning | $4M | |
| Strong wind | $2M | |
| Ice storm | $1M | |
| Heat wave | $1M | |
| Winter weather | $839K | |
| Hail | $431K | |
| Hurricane | $430K | |
| Landslide | $244K |
Homes in Knoxville
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 Knox County
Common questions about Knoxville
Is Knoxville safe from natural disasters?
Knoxville is in Knox County, which FEMA's National Risk Index rates relatively moderate overall, about average for 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 Knoxville?
By expected yearly losses in Knox County, the top hazards are inland flooding (Moderate), earthquake (Moderate), tornado (High). Knox County has been part of 17 federal disaster or emergency declarations for natural events.
Does Knoxville get tornadoes?
Yes. NOAA records list 15 tornadoes in Knox County since 1950; the strongest was an F3 tornado on February 21, 1993 near Northbrook. FEMA rates tornado risk in the county high.
Do I need flood insurance in Knoxville?
Standard home insurance does not cover floods. In Knox County, about 0.5% 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.