Natural Disaster Risk in Nashville, TN
2026 Risk Report — Flood, Tornado, Earthquake, Wildfire — Powered by FEMA, NOAA, USGS
Overall Risk Summary — Nashville
Flood Risk — Nashville
Nashville has a flood risk score of 68/100, 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 — Nashville
Tornado risk score: 62/100 — High
Based on NOAA Storm Events Database historical tornado tracks and frequency data.
Earthquake Risk — Nashville
Earthquake risk score: 35/100 — Low
Based on USGS National Seismic Hazard Model and historical seismic event data.
Wildfire Risk — Nashville
Wildfire risk score: 18/100 — Very Low
Based on USDA Forest Service wildfire risk data and historical fire perimeter records.
What This Means for Home Insurance in Nashville
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.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nashville (current) | 39 | 68 | 62 | 35 |
| Memphis | — | — | — | — |
Recent Significant Events — Nashville
| Date | Hazard | Description | Fatalities | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020-03-03 | tornado | EF3 tornado kills 25 in Nashville and Putnam County | 25 | NOAA |
| 2010-05-01 | flood | 1000-year flood — Cumberland River crests at 51.86 ft, $2B damage | 22 | NOAA |
Frequently Asked Questions — Nashville
Is Nashville in a flood zone?
Nashville has a flood risk score of 68/100, which is considered High. Check the FEMA Flood Map Service Center for specific parcel-level flood zone designations.
Does Nashville get tornadoes?
Nashville 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 Nashville?
Nashville has an earthquake risk score of 35/100 (Low). This is based on USGS seismic hazard assessments and historical earthquake data.
Is Nashville at risk for wildfires?
Nashville's wildfire risk score is 18/100 (Very Low). This reflects proximity to wildland-urban interface areas and historical fire data.
How does natural disaster risk affect home insurance in Nashville?
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.