Does Memphis have its own hazard scores?

No. Memphis inherits Tennessee’s statewide ratings. Use this page to see which peril matters most locally (Flooding), then verify the exact address — two streets in Shelby County can differ.

What should I check first in Memphis?

Start with Flooding in Tennessee, then a ZIP lookup and the FEMA or USGS map that matches that hazard.

Memphis, Tennessee home risk profile

What this page is

Memphis sits in Shelby County, Tennessee. This is a local briefing: it names the hazard that usually matters most here (Flooding), then shows the statewide ratings Tennessee homeowners use to decide what official map to open. It is not a flood-zone letter or an insurance quote.

Confirm the neighborhood with a ZIP lookup.
Open Flooding in Tennessee.
Verify the address on the official maps in the sidebar, then read a matching guide.

Memphis is in Shelby County, Tennessee. Mississippi River flooding, severe storms, tornadoes and extreme heat are the core risks. The New Madrid seismic zone adds a real, if infrequent, earthquake hazard.

The ratings below are state-level summaries used across Tennessee. Actual risk varies by neighborhood — always verify your address on FEMA flood maps, your county emergency management site and the official sources linked from each hazard page.

How to read the Memphis snapshot

Memphis is in Shelby County, Tennessee. This page does not score individual streets. It tells you which statewide hazards matter most here, then points you to the official map for the address you care about.

The local focus is Flooding in Tennessee. Standard homeowners insurance almost never covers flood. You need a separate NFIP or private flood policy, and it usually has a waiting period.

Highest statewide ratings that apply in Memphis

Flooding — Major. Tennessee faces a high risk of flooding, rated level 4 out of 5, due to its diverse geography including major rivers,…
Tornadoes — Major. Tennessee sits in the heart of "Dixie Alley," where tornadoes occur in every month of the year and often strike at…
Severe Storms — Major. Severe storms are a common and significant risk in Tennessee, rated level 4 out of 5 on the state's hazard scale. These…

What to do before you buy or renew in Memphis

Look up the ZIP on our ZIP tool so you land on this city or the Tennessee profile.
Open the Flooding page and follow the official map links in the sidebar.
Confirm preparedness guidance with Tennessee Emergency Management Agency.

Other Tennessee city briefings: Chattanooga, Knoxville, Murfreesboro, Nashville.

Hazard ratings for Tennessee

These are state-level scores used across Memphis. Use them as a starting point, then verify your exact address with the official maps linked on each hazard page.

Flooding Tennessee faces a high risk of flooding, rated level 4 out of 5, due to its diverse geography including major rivers, mountainous terrain,… Major Tornadoes Tennessee sits in the heart of "Dixie Alley," where tornadoes occur in every month of the year and often strike at night or in fast-moving,… Major Severe Storms Severe storms are a common and significant risk in Tennessee, rated level 4 out of 5 on the state's hazard scale. These storms can produce… Major Earthquakes Tennessee has a moderate-to-high earthquake risk, primarily from the New Madrid Seismic Zone in the west and the East Tennessee Seismic… Moderate Extreme Heat Extreme heat is a recurring summer hazard across Tennessee, where Gulf humidity pushes heat index values well above 100°F during multi-day… Moderate Wildfires Tennessee's wildfire risk is rated Level 2 out of 5 statewide, but the danger is concentrated in East Tennessee, the Cumberland Plateau and… Minor Winter Storms Winter storms in Tennessee most often arrive as a mix of snow, sleet and freezing rain, and ice is frequently the bigger threat to homes… Minor Drought Drought is a recurring hazard in Tennessee, though the state's overall risk is rated level 2 out of 5. All regions can experience drought,… Minor Landslides Landslides in Tennessee are most common in the eastern mountainous regions, including the Appalachian Mountains and Cumberland Plateau,… Minor Hurricanes Tennessee has no coastline, but the remnants of Gulf and Atlantic hurricanes regularly cross the state, bringing heavy rain, flash… Minimal

What the ratings mean

"MinimalMinorModerateMajorExtreme

Each rating is a statewide starting point, framed for a typical 30-year stay — the length of a standard mortgage. A neighborhood can look different from the state average. Always verify your address with official FEMA, NOAA or USGS maps.

Save this profile as a PDF for your records or insurance file.

Using the Memphis profile

Does Memphis have its own hazard scores?: No. Memphis inherits Tennessee’s statewide ratings. Use this page to see which peril matters most locally (Flooding), then verify the exact address — two streets in Shelby County can differ.
What should I check first in Memphis?: Start with Flooding in Tennessee, then a ZIP lookup and the FEMA or USGS map that matches that hazard.
Will homeowners insurance cover Flooding here?: Standard homeowners insurance almost never covers flood. You need a separate NFIP or private flood policy, and it usually has a waiting period.

Last updated: October 8, 2026. Ratings are state-wide estimates — always verify your specific address with official sources.

Guides for Tennessee homeowners

InsuranceExcess Flood Insurance: Coverage Above NFIP's $250,000 LimitThe NFIP caps flood coverage at $250,000 for the building and $100,000 for contents. If your home would cost more to rebuild,…Oct 15, 2026Read guide →

How Elevation Certificates Lower Your Flood Insurance PremiumLearn how an elevation certificate can save you hundreds on flood insurance by accurately showing your home's flood risk. This…Jun 21, 2026Read guide →

Flooded While Inside: Your Survival GuideIf your home floods while you're inside, every second counts. Learn the life-saving steps from FEMA, the CDC, and Ready.gov to…Jun 21, 2026Read guide →