Natural Disaster Risk in Memphis, TN
2026 Risk Report — Flood, Tornado, Earthquake, Wildfire — Powered by FEMA, NOAA, USGS
Overall Risk Summary — Memphis
Flood Risk — Memphis
Memphis has a flood risk score of 75/100, classified as High.
This score is derived from FEMA's National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) claims data, flood zone designations, and NOAA precipitation records.
Tornado Risk — Memphis
Tornado risk score: 65/100 — High
Based on NOAA Storm Events Database historical tornado tracks and frequency data.
Earthquake Risk — Memphis
Earthquake risk score: 72/100 — High
Based on USGS National Seismic Hazard Model and historical seismic event data.
Wildfire Risk — Memphis
Wildfire risk score: 15/100 — Very Low
Based on USDA Forest Service wildfire risk data and historical fire perimeter records.
What This Means for Home Insurance in Memphis
Standard homeowners policies do not cover flood damage. Properties in FEMA flood zones may be required to purchase separate NFIP coverage. Flood insurance is strongly recommended in this area.
Earthquake damage is excluded from standard homeowners policies. A separate earthquake rider or policy is required. Given the elevated earthquake risk, this coverage is worth considering.
Homeowners insurance typically covers wind and fire damage, but high-risk areas may see coverage restrictions or higher premiums.
Compare Nearby Cities
| City | Overall | Flood | Tornado | Earthquake |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Memphis (current) | 48 | 75 | 65 | 72 |
| Nashville | — | — | — | — |
Recent Significant Events — Memphis
| Date | Hazard | Description | Fatalities | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2011-05-10 | flood | Mississippi River record flood crest — 47.87 ft at Memphis gauge | 0 | NOAA |
| 1812-02-07 | earthquake | New Madrid Seismic Zone — Great earthquake caused Mississippi to run backwards | 0 | USGS |
Frequently Asked Questions — Memphis
Is Memphis in a flood zone?
Memphis has a flood risk score of 75/100, which is considered High. Check the FEMA Flood Map Service Center for specific parcel-level flood zone designations.
Does Memphis get tornadoes?
Memphis has a tornado risk score of 65/100. This area has experienced tornadoes historically and residents should have a preparedness plan.
What is the earthquake risk in Memphis?
Memphis has an earthquake risk score of 72/100 (High). This is based on USGS seismic hazard assessments and historical earthquake data.
Is Memphis at risk for wildfires?
Memphis's wildfire risk score is 15/100 (Very Low). This reflects proximity to wildland-urban interface areas and historical fire data.
How does natural disaster risk affect home insurance in Memphis?
Areas with higher flood, earthquake, or wildfire scores typically see higher home insurance premiums. Standard homeowners insurance does not cover floods — a separate NFIP or private flood policy is required. Earthquake coverage also requires a separate rider or policy.