Memphis, TN
Local storm history & FEMA National Risk Index data
Memphis 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 Memphis
NOAA-recorded tornado, hail, and flood events within 25 miles of Memphis's center, 2016–2026 — the only hazards NOAA reports with exact coordinates, so these counts are specific to Memphis 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 Shelby County's FEMA National Risk Index scores, covering Memphis along with the rest of the county, not a Memphis-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 Memphis, TN at risk of?
Memphis 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 Memphis is located, are tornado, cold wave, and heat wave.
What is Memphis's biggest natural hazard risk?
Tornado is the highest-rated hazard for Shelby County, where Memphis is located, scoring 99.8 out of 100 on FEMA's National Risk Index (rated "Very High").
Is Memphis a high-risk area for natural disasters?
Yes — Memphis 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 Memphis had tornadoes, hail, or flooding?
NOAA has recorded 10 tornado, 113 hail, 129 inland flooding events within 25 miles of Memphis since 2016.