Morristown, Tennessee: natural disaster risk
How exposed Morristown is to floods, storms and other hazards, from FEMA and NOAA records for Hamblen County.
Morristown is a city of 31,527 people in Hamblen County, Tennessee. Parts of Morristown also reach into Jefferson County. FEMA's National Risk Index rates Hamblen County relatively low for natural hazards overall, lower than most of the US. The costliest hazards there are inland flooding, earthquake and tornado, with about $12.1 million in expected losses a year across the county. The weather service has logged 271 storm reports in the county since 1959, including 2 tornadoes and 22 floods. NOAA hurricane records show 0 hurricanes and 2 tropical storms passing within 65 miles of the county's center. About 0.3% of homes in the county carry federal flood insurance.
Risk figures are for Hamblen County, the county with most of the population Morristown 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 Morristown
Full Hamblen 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 | $6M | |
| Earthquake | $2M | |
| Tornado | $2M | |
| Lightning | $547K | |
| Cold wave | $535K | |
| Strong wind | $433K | |
| Ice storm | $96K | |
| Hail | $95K | |
| Heat wave | $65K | |
| Winter weather | $49K | |
| Drought | $24K | |
| Hurricane | $23K |
Homes in Morristown
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 Hamblen County
Common questions about Morristown
Is Morristown safe from natural disasters?
Morristown is in Hamblen County, which FEMA's National Risk Index rates relatively low overall, lower than most of 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 Morristown?
By expected yearly losses in Hamblen County, the top hazards are inland flooding (Low), earthquake (Low), tornado (Low). Hamblen County has been part of 13 federal disaster or emergency declarations for natural events.
Does Morristown get tornadoes?
Yes. NOAA records list 2 tornadoes in Hamblen County since 1950; the strongest was an F1 tornado on November 27, 1985. FEMA rates tornado risk in the county low.
Do I need flood insurance in Morristown?
Standard home insurance does not cover floods. In Hamblen County, about 0.3% 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.