Lakeland, TN

Local storm history & FEMA National Risk Index data

Population: 14,416 · Part of Shelby County

Lakeland is rated Relatively High for overall natural hazard risk — higher risk than most US counties — based on FEMA's National Risk Index for Shelby County, TN. The county's highest-rated hazards are tornado, cold wave, and heat wave.

Storm events near Lakeland

NOAA-recorded tornado, hail, and flood events within 25 miles of Lakeland's center, 2016–2026 — the only hazards NOAA reports with exact coordinates, so these counts are specific to Lakeland itself, not the whole county.

Tornado 15 events
Hail 130 events
Inland Flooding 116 events

County-wide hazard risk

Every other hazard FEMA and NOAA track — including drought — is only scored at the county level. These are Shelby County's FEMA National Risk Index scores, covering Lakeland along with the rest of the county, not a Lakeland-specific figure.

Hazard NRI score Rating
Wildfire 71.1 Relatively Low
Inland Flooding 98.7 Relatively High
Coastal Flooding Not Applicable
Earthquake 99.5 Relatively High
Heat Wave 99.6 Relatively High
Tornado 99.8 Very High
Avalanche Not Applicable
Cold Wave 99.8 Very High
Drought 37 Relatively Low
Hail 12.8 Very Low
Hurricane 67.1 Relatively Low
Ice Storm 91.2 Relatively High
Landslide 92.6 Relatively Moderate
Lightning 96.2 Relatively High
Strong Wind 87.7 Relatively High
Tsunami Not Applicable
Volcanic Activity Not Applicable
Winter Weather 88.7 Relatively High

Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20.0, December 2025. See the methodology page for definitions, or the full Shelby County risk profile for disaster declarations, social vulnerability, and climate projection data.

Other cities in Shelby County:

More on Shelby County:

Frequently asked questions

What natural hazards is Lakeland, TN at risk of?

Lakeland is rated Relatively High for overall natural hazard risk by FEMA's National Risk Index — higher risk than most US counties. The highest-rated hazards for Shelby County, where Lakeland is located, are tornado, cold wave, and heat wave.

What is Lakeland's biggest natural hazard risk?

Tornado is the highest-rated hazard for Shelby County, where Lakeland is located, scoring 99.8 out of 100 on FEMA's National Risk Index (rated "Very High").

Is Lakeland a high-risk area for natural disasters?

Yes — Lakeland carries higher risk than most US counties for overall natural hazard risk, per FEMA's National Risk Index rating of "Relatively High" for Shelby County.

Has Lakeland had tornadoes, hail, or flooding?

NOAA has recorded 15 tornado, 130 hail, 116 inland flooding events within 25 miles of Lakeland since 2016.