Despite its inland location, Tennessee still endures its fair share of flooding. One of the most famous incidents was the flooding of the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville in 2010, which claimed numerous lives and cost the city billions in property damage. With multiple major rivers flowing through the state, it’s probably no surprise that flooding is fairly common, and majorly destructive.

Because Tennessee isn’t immune to flash flooding and other disasters, it’s important for residents to understand flood zones and whether they live or work in one. If you’re in an area at high risk of flooding, it’s crucial to be equipped with the proper flood insurance coverage. But first, check out this guide to identifying and understanding flood zones.

What Is a Flood Zone?

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) labels various geographic areas as flood zones based on their estimated flood risk. FEMA determines flood zones by studying storm trends in each location over time and by consulting hydrologist studies. Flooding can occur due to heavy rainfall, melting snow, hurricanes, and other disasters. The way an area is laid out affects how easily water is able to move through and out, which correlates to its risk of flooding.

Understanding Tennessee Flood Zones in 2023 

In order to better prepare for flooding, it’s a good idea to find out if you live or work in a flood zone. Tennessee’s flood zones are determined by FEMA according to various criteria and are marked on the official website’s map.

Here is a key for understanding official flood zones in Tennessee:

• A-Zones: Indicate inland flood zones. These areas are not located along the coast, but are still at risk of flooding.
• V-Zones: Indicate beach zones. These areas are commonly struck by waves and storms and carry a much higher risk of flooding.
• X-Zones: Indicate areas that are remote or not expected to flood. That being said, 30% of all FEMA’s payouts for flood damage go to properties within these zones.

You can easily locate your specific flood zone through FEMA’s Map Service Center on their official website. Just input your address to view your community’s map. It’s important to determine not only your specific zone, but also the surrounding zones and any potentially hazardous areas near you.

What Are the Most Flooded Areas in Tennessee?

While it’s easy to pull up an official map online, it’s also helpful to be familiar with areas of your state that are famously prone to flooding. Tennessee has a few flooding hotspots that you may want to avoid in times of heavy rainfall or impending tropical storms, such as:

• Chattanooga
• Nashville
• Tiptonville
• Waverly
• Memphis
• Savannah
• Clifton

While knowing your specific flood zone and the most commonly flooded areas of the state is important, it’s best to be prepared for deep waters no matter where you reside in Tennessee.

Flood Damage Statistics in Tennessee

Average Number of natural disasters in the U.S. over 1 year

Flood insurance claim payments in the United States (in thousand US dollars)

Just a couple of years ago, floods and flash floods were the second-most-common natural disaster in the US, behind severe thunderstorms. Flooding costs the US billions of dollars in damage each year, as well as tragic deaths and severe property destruction.

Some quick 2023 flood statistics for the US:

• In 2019, flood insurance claims cost the US over $2 billion.
• Flash flooding causes over 200 deaths per year and is the leading cause of weather-related deaths.
• More than half of flood-related deaths occur in vehicles.
• Even properties located in low-to-moderate flood risk areas account for over 20% of flood insurance claims.
• Just one inch of standing water within a home can cause up to $20,000 in damage.

Now here are some quick flood statistics for Tennessee:

• The infamous Nashville flooding of 2010 claimed 11 lives within the city’s limits.
• The 2010 Nashville flood cost over $2 billion in private property damage and $120 million in public infrastructure damage.
• The 2010 Nashville flood damaged/destroyed 11,000 properties and displaced 10,000 people from their homes.
• Between 300 to 400 businesses closed due to the 2010 Nashville flood, and more than 1,500 jobs were lost.
• During the 2010 flood, the Cumberland River crested at 51.86 feet, the highest level ever recorded.
• $20 million in renovations were made to the Grand Ole Opry House following the 2010 flood.

Number of major flooding events in the United States between 2008 and 2017, by select state

During the 2008 to 2017 period, Tennessee tied with three other states for the second-highest number of major flooding events in the nation, at 16. The reported flooding events were classified as “major” because they warranted official presidential disaster declarations.

Is Flood Insurance Required in a Flood Zone?

Typically, properties located within A or V flood zones as designated by FEMA require their owners to carry flood insurance. Since these zones include not only beachfront and coastal properties but also those within areas otherwise prone to flooding, having adequate flood protection is crucial. However, even properties located within low-to-moderate risk areas should consider getting coverage, especially considering Tennessee is home to multiple major rivers.

Flood insurance covers the following:

• Damage to your home: This includes the foundation of the structure, electrical systems, indoor plumbing, built-in appliances, and additional installed flooring, like carpeting.
• Damage to your stuff: This includes furniture, certain appliances, some food, valuables, and clothing. In a business, this may include inventory.

Flood insurance in Tennessee also covers total destruction of your home/business or personal property by flood waters, up to your policy’s limit.

Why Work with a Tennessee Independent Insurance Agent?

In order to get the protection you need and deserve, you’ll want to work with a trusted expert. And who could be better for the job than a local agent who shares your area code? Independent insurance agents act as your own personal insurance shoppers, offering you tons more options than one-policy companies. With just one call, they’ll hook you up with multiple quotes.

Tennessee independent insurance agents are armed with knowledge on what coverage is needed in your area, and they’ll get you set up with just enough of it — not too little, not too much. They’ll handle all the heavy lifting, so you can rest assured you’ll be set up with the right coverage at the right price.

They’re not just there at the beginning either. If disaster strikes, your Tennessee agent will be there to help walk you through the claims process and make sure you’re getting the benefits you're entitled to. Now that’s thinking ahead.