Nashville, Tennessee: natural disaster risk
How exposed Nashville is to floods, storms and other hazards, from FEMA and NOAA records for Davidson County.
Nashville is a city of 690,130 people in Davidson County, Tennessee. FEMA's National Risk Index rates Davidson County relatively high for natural hazards overall, higher than most of the US. The costliest hazards there are inland flooding, earthquake and tornado, with about $262 million in expected losses a year across the county. The weather service has logged 1,538 storm reports in the county since 1952, including 53 tornadoes and 173 floods. NOAA hurricane records show 0 hurricanes and 4 tropical storms passing within 65 miles of the county's center. About 1.7% of homes in the county carry federal flood insurance.
Risk figures are for Davidson County. FEMA National Risk Index December 2025; NOAA Storm Events; US Census Bureau ACS 2020 to 2024. Updated November 6, 2026.
Top risks in Nashville
Full Davidson 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 | $160M | |
| Earthquake | $58M | |
| Tornado | $24M | |
| Cold wave | $8M | |
| Heat wave | $6M | |
| Strong wind | $4M | |
| Hail | $1M | |
| Ice storm | $417K | |
| Lightning | $271K | |
| Winter weather | $233K | |
| Hurricane | $107K | |
| Wildfire | $72K |
Homes in Nashville
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 Davidson County
Common questions about Nashville
Is Nashville safe from natural disasters?
Nashville is in Davidson County, which FEMA's National Risk Index rates relatively high overall, higher 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 Nashville?
By expected yearly losses in Davidson County, the top hazards are inland flooding (High), earthquake (High), tornado (High). Davidson County has been part of 25 federal disaster or emergency declarations for natural events.
Does Nashville get tornadoes?
Yes. NOAA records list 53 tornadoes in Davidson County since 1950; the strongest was an EF3 tornado on March 3, 2020 near Scottsboro. FEMA rates tornado risk in the county high.
Do I need flood insurance in Nashville?
Standard home insurance does not cover floods. In Davidson County, about 1.7% 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.