Memphis, Tennessee: natural disaster risk
How exposed Memphis is to floods, storms and other hazards, from FEMA and NOAA records for Shelby County.
Memphis is a city of 618,980 people in Shelby County, Tennessee. FEMA's National Risk Index rates Shelby County relatively high for natural hazards overall, higher than most of the US. The costliest hazards there are earthquake, inland flooding and tornado, with about $555 million in expected losses a year across the county. The weather service has logged 1,197 storm reports in the county since 1950, including 56 tornadoes and 224 floods. NOAA hurricane records show 0 hurricanes and 6 tropical storms passing within 65 miles of the county's center. About 0.7% of homes in the county carry federal flood insurance.
Risk figures are for Shelby County. FEMA National Risk Index December 2025; NOAA Storm Events; US Census Bureau ACS 2020 to 2024. Updated November 6, 2026.
Top risks in Memphis
Full Shelby County report ›- Ask whether an older house is bolted to its foundation.
- Consider separate earthquake insurance where risk is high.
- 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.
All hazards
| Hazard | Rating | A year |
|---|---|---|
| Earthquake | $215M | |
| Inland flooding | $154M | |
| Tornado | $70M | |
| Cold wave | $62M | |
| Heat wave | $49M | |
| Lightning | $2M | |
| Strong wind | $1M | |
| Ice storm | $818K | |
| Hurricane | $350K | |
| Winter weather | $290K | |
| Wildfire | $145K | |
| Landslide | $63K |
Homes in Memphis
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 Shelby County
More cities in Shelby County
Common questions about Memphis
Is Memphis safe from natural disasters?
Memphis is in Shelby County, which FEMA's National Risk Index rates relatively high overall, higher than most of the US. The biggest hazards are earthquake, inland flooding, tornado. No place is free of risk, so check the flood map and insurance for any home you consider.
What natural disasters happen in Memphis?
By expected yearly losses in Shelby County, the top hazards are earthquake (High), inland flooding (High), tornado (Very High). Shelby County has been part of 26 federal disaster or emergency declarations for natural events.
Does Memphis get tornadoes?
Yes. NOAA records list 56 tornadoes in Shelby County since 1950; the strongest was an F3 tornado on November 27, 1994. FEMA rates tornado risk in the county very high.
Do I need flood insurance in Memphis?
Standard home insurance does not cover floods. In Shelby County, about 0.7% of homes have federal flood insurance, and FEMA rates inland flooding risk high. Check the FEMA flood map for your address and get a quote even outside a high-risk zone.