Bristol, TN
Local storm history & FEMA National Risk Index data
Bristol is rated Relatively Low for overall natural hazard risk — lower risk than most US counties — based on FEMA's National Risk Index for Sullivan County, TN. The county's highest-rated hazards are landslide, earthquake, and strong wind.
Storm events near Bristol
NOAA-recorded tornado, hail, and flood events within 25 miles of Bristol's center, 2016–2026 — the only hazards NOAA reports with exact coordinates, so these counts are specific to Bristol itself, not the whole county.
County-wide hazard risk
Every other hazard FEMA and NOAA track — including drought — is only scored at the county level. These are Sullivan County's FEMA National Risk Index scores, covering Bristol along with the rest of the county, not a Bristol-specific figure.
| Hazard | NRI score | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Wildfire | 36.5 | Very Low |
| Inland Flooding | 81.6 | Relatively Moderate |
| Coastal Flooding | — | Not Applicable |
| Earthquake | 87.2 | Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave | 18.5 | Very Low |
| Tornado | 47.2 | Relatively Low |
| Avalanche | — | Not Applicable |
| Cold Wave | 48.8 | Relatively Low |
| Drought | 28.7 | Very Low |
| Hail | 36 | Relatively Low |
| Hurricane | 54.7 | Very Low |
| Ice Storm | 27.5 | Relatively Low |
| Landslide | 94.4 | Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning | 85.6 | Relatively High |
| Strong Wind | 86.9 | Relatively High |
| Tsunami | — | Not Applicable |
| Volcanic Activity | — | Not Applicable |
| Winter Weather | 57.6 | Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20.0, December 2025. See the methodology page for definitions, or the full Sullivan County risk profile for disaster declarations, social vulnerability, and climate projection data.
Other cities in Sullivan County:
More on Sullivan County:
Frequently asked questions
What natural hazards is Bristol, TN at risk of?
Bristol is rated Relatively Low for overall natural hazard risk by FEMA's National Risk Index — lower risk than most US counties. The highest-rated hazards for Sullivan County, where Bristol is located, are landslide, earthquake, and strong wind.
What is Bristol's biggest natural hazard risk?
Landslide is the highest-rated hazard for Sullivan County, where Bristol is located, scoring 94.4 out of 100 on FEMA's National Risk Index (rated "Relatively Moderate").
Is Bristol a high-risk area for natural disasters?
No — Bristol carries lower risk than most US counties for overall natural hazard risk, per FEMA's National Risk Index rating of "Relatively Low" for Sullivan County.
Has Bristol had tornadoes, hail, or flooding?
NOAA has recorded 1 tornado, 43 hail, 70 inland flooding events within 25 miles of Bristol since 2016.