NaturalDisasterRisk
US Hazard Intelligence

Natural Disaster Risk
Charleston, TN

2026 Risk Report ยท FEMA ยท NOAA ยท USGS

Overall Risk
53
/100 ยท Moderate

Risk Score Overviewโ€” Charleston

Hazard Breakdown

๐ŸŒŠ Flood Risk โ€” Charleston

100Very High
โ—Very High ยท 100/100

Charleston has a flood risk score of 100/100, classified as Very High. This score is derived from FEMA's National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) claims data, flood zone designations, and NOAA precipitation records.

FEMA Flood Zones: Properties in Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHAs โ€” Zones A and V) face the highest risk and are required to carry flood insurance if they have federally-backed mortgages.

๐ŸŒช๏ธ Tornado Risk โ€” Charleston

62High
โ—High ยท 62/100

Tornado risk score: 62/100 โ€” High. Based on NOAA Storm Events Database historical tornado tracks and frequency data.

View Full Tornado Risk Report โ†’

โšก Earthquake Risk โ€” Charleston

45Moderate
โ—Moderate ยท 45/100

Earthquake risk score: 45/100 โ€” Moderate. Based on USGS National Seismic Hazard Model and historical seismic event data for this region.

View Full Earthquake Risk Report โ†’

๐Ÿ”ฅ Wildfire Risk โ€” Charleston

28Low
โ—Low ยท 28/100

Wildfire risk score: 28/100 โ€” Low. Based on USDA Forest Service wildfire risk data and historical fire perimeter records.

View Full Wildfire Risk Report โ†’

๐Ÿ’ฐ What This Means for Home Insurance in Charleston

๐ŸŒŠ Flood Insurance

Standard homeowners policies do not cover flood damage. Properties in FEMA flood zones may be required to purchase NFIP coverage. Flood insurance is strongly recommended in this area.

โšก Earthquake Insurance

Earthquake damage is excluded from standard homeowners policies. A separate earthquake rider or policy is required. Given the elevated risk, this coverage is worth considering.

๐Ÿ”ฅ Wildfire & Wind

Homeowners insurance typically covers wind and fire damage, but high-risk areas may see coverage restrictions or surcharges. Review your policy limits.

๐Ÿ“ Nearby Cities in Tennessee

โ“ Frequently Asked Questions โ€” Charleston

Is Charleston in a flood zone?

Charleston has a flood risk score of 100/100, classified as Very High. Check the FEMA Flood Map Service Center for specific parcel-level flood zone designations.

Does Charleston get tornadoes?

Charleston has a tornado risk score of 62/100. This area has experienced tornadoes historically and residents should have a preparedness plan.

What is the earthquake risk in Charleston?

Charleston has an earthquake risk score of 45/100 (Moderate), based on USGS seismic hazard assessments and historical earthquake data.

Is Charleston at risk for wildfires?

Charleston's wildfire risk score is 28/100 (Low), reflecting proximity to wildland-urban interface areas and historical fire perimeter data.

How does natural disaster risk affect home insurance in Charleston?

Areas with higher risk scores typically see higher home insurance premiums. Standard homeowners insurance does not cover floods โ€” a separate NFIP or private flood policy is required. Earthquake damage also requires a separate rider or policy. Check with a local insurance agent for coverage recommendations specific to Charleston.

Risk Score Scale

0โ€“20 โ€” Very Low
21โ€“40 โ€” Low
41โ€“60 โ€” Moderate
61โ€“80 โ€” High
81โ€“100 โ€” Very High