Athens, TN natural hazards
Most of the natural-hazard damage FEMA expects in Athens comes from inland flooding, and overall the risk is moderate for a U.S. community. Flood insurance has paid 24 claims here since 1984. 4 federal disasters brought FEMA money into town.
FEMA National Risk Index, December 2025 · OpenFEMA claims, aid & declarationsHow exposed is Athens?
FEMA expects yearly storm and flood damage to homes and buildings in Athens to be higher than in 51% of U.S. communities, mostly from inland flooding and earthquakes.
What Athens faces
Each hazard’s share of the damage FEMA expects here, and how that compares with the rest of the country.
Inland flooding
Earthquakes
Tornadoes
Cold waves
Strong wind
Lower here
Not a risk here
Does Athens flood?
Every paid claim on a federal flood insurance policy in Athens, from FEMA’s records.
Biggest named events
- Heavy rains: 11 claims, $234K
Homes that flooded again and again
■ FEMA “severe repetitive loss” (0) ■ flooded 2+ times
are insured
are insured
What’s been done with FEMA grants
4 federal disasters brought FEMA money here
Disasters the President declared that paid out in Athens itself: aid to households, or repair grants to the City of Athens.
Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Straight-Line Winds and
Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Straight-Line Winds, and Associated Flooding
Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
How to read this page
FEMA’s expected losses across Athens total about $1.5M a year, counting buildings, people and crops.
Sources: FEMA National Risk Index (December 2025); OpenFEMA: NFIP redacted claims, multiple-loss properties, community status book and residential penetration rates, housing assistance (owners and renters), public assistance funded projects, hazard mitigation properties and disaster declarations. Census tracts: U.S. Census Bureau.