Tennessee faces extensive flood risk from the Cumberland, Tennessee, French Broad, and Mississippi rivers, as well as devastating urban flash flooding in Nashville and other metropolitan areas. The May 2010 Nashville flood was one of the most catastrophic urban flood events in U.S. history, dropping over 13 inches of rain in 48 hours and causing $2 billion in damage. The Cumberland River flooded downtown Nashville inundating the Opryland Resort and forcing thousands from their homes. The flood killed 11 people and devastated communities throughout the Nashville metro. Memphis faces significant risk from the Mississippi River which flooded extensively in 2011 forcing the opening of the Morganza Floodway and intentionally flooding communities to protect populated areas. Knoxville and the French Broad River valley experience regular riverine flooding. The 2021 Waverly, Tennessee flood killed 20 people when over 17 inches of rain fell in a few hours triggering catastrophic flash flooding in Humphreys County. The state has over 800 NFIP-participating communities. Tennessee's combination of urban development, mountain terrain, and major river systems creates diverse and significant flood risks across the state.
Tennessee Flood Zones
FEMA Flood Zone Lookup in Tennessee
Look up any address in Tennessee to find its FEMA flood zone designation, insurance requirements, and base flood elevation — sourced from the official National Flood Hazard Layer.
Zone A and Zone AE along the Cumberland, Tennessee, Mississippi, and French Broad rivers; Zone X (shaded) for moderate-risk areas in Nashville, Memphis, and Knoxville; Zone AH for shallow flooding in urban creek corridors; Zone AO for overland flash flooding in rural areas.
Davidson County, Shelby County, Knox County, Wilson County, Humphreys County
NFIP premiums range from $500-$1,200 for standard-risk properties. Cumberland Riverfront properties in Nashville can run $1,500-$3,500 annually. Memphis Mississippi Riverfront properties face similar premiums. Post-2010 flood premium increases have been significant throughout Middle Tennessee.
Frequently Asked Questions — Tennessee
How bad was the 2010 Nashville flood?
The May 2010 flood was catastrophic, dropping over 13 inches of rain in 48 hours. The Cumberland River flooded downtown Nashville inundating the Opryland Resort. 11 people died and damage exceeded $2 billion. It was one of the worst urban floods in U.S. history.
Does Memphis flood?
Yes. Memphis faces significant Mississippi River flood risk. The 2011 flood caused extensive damage and the city was protected only by intentional flooding of less populated areas upstream. The Mississippi River regularly reaches flood stage at Memphis.
Is flash flooding common in Tennessee?
Yes. The 2021 Waverly flood killed 20 people when over 17 inches of rain triggered catastrophic flash flooding. Tennessee's mountain terrain and urban development create dangerous flash flood conditions, particularly in the western Highland Rim and Middle Tennessee.
Disclaimer: FloodZoneCheck is a free research tool using public FEMA data, not an official Standard Flood Hazard Determination. Lenders require a certified determination from a licensed provider. Zone boundaries can cross a single parcel — confirm exact risk and insurance requirements with FEMA or your insurer before relying on this for a purchase or insurance decision.
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