Oak Ridge, Tennessee: natural disaster risk
How exposed Oak Ridge is to floods, storms and other hazards, from FEMA and NOAA records for Anderson County.
Oak Ridge is a city of 32,693 people in Anderson County, Tennessee. Parts of Oak Ridge also reach into Roane County. FEMA's National Risk Index rates Anderson County relatively low for natural hazards overall, lower than most of the US. The costliest hazards there are inland flooding, tornado and cold wave, with about $29.5 million in expected losses a year across the county. The weather service has logged 370 storm reports in the county since 1953, including 4 tornadoes and 36 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 Anderson County, the county with most of the population Oak Ridge 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 Oak Ridge
Full Anderson 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.
- 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.
- Insulate pipes in outside walls, crawl spaces and garages.
- Know how to shut off the main water valve.
All hazards
| Hazard | Rating | A year |
|---|---|---|
| Inland flooding | $16M | |
| Tornado | $4M | |
| Cold wave | $3M | |
| Earthquake | $3M | |
| Strong wind | $991K | |
| Lightning | $613K | |
| Hail | $391K | |
| Ice storm | $182K | |
| Winter weather | $160K | |
| Heat wave | $149K | |
| Landslide | $71K | |
| Hurricane | $59K |
Homes in Oak Ridge
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 Anderson County
Common questions about Oak Ridge
Is Oak Ridge safe from natural disasters?
Oak Ridge is in Anderson County, which FEMA's National Risk Index rates relatively low overall, lower than most of the US. The biggest hazards are inland flooding, tornado, cold wave. No place is free of risk, so check the flood map and insurance for any home you consider.
What natural disasters happen in Oak Ridge?
By expected yearly losses in Anderson County, the top hazards are inland flooding (Moderate), tornado (Moderate), cold wave (Moderate). Anderson County has been part of 20 federal disaster or emergency declarations for natural events.
Does Oak Ridge get tornadoes?
Yes. NOAA records list 4 tornadoes in Anderson County since 1950; the strongest was an F2 tornado on November 10, 2002 near Lake City. FEMA rates tornado risk in the county moderate.
Do I need flood insurance in Oak Ridge?
Standard home insurance does not cover floods. In Anderson County, about 0.3% 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.