Enter any address in Knox County, Tennessee to see its FEMA flood zone
Flash flooding from thunderstorms is the dominant flood character in Knox County. Between 2005 and 2023, NOAA Storm Events data recorded 68 flash flood events and 33 flood events. For example, in August 2025, heavy rain led to minor flooding near Karns and Solway, and flash flooding occurred in the county on August 13, 2025, following multiple rounds of thunderstorms.
National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) claims data indicates that properties in Zone A have seen the most claims, with an average payout of $12,318 for 265 claims. Properties in Zone X also experience flooding, with Zone X_UNSHADED having the highest average payout at $18,701 for 98 claims. Homeowners in Zone A, Zone X, and particularly those in Zone V, which had one claim with an average payout of $32,247, should pay close attention to flood risk.
Summary generated from NOAA storm narratives and NFIP claim data for this county. Not predictive.
10 NOAA storm reports from this county describe what happened, in the words of the meteorologists who were there.
Knox County, Tennessee has recorded 101 flood-related events since 1996 according to NOAA's Storm Events Database, including 68 flash floods and 33 river or area floods. The county has received 19 federal disaster declarations, 2 of which involved flooding or coastal storms. Enter any address above to check its FEMA flood zone designation.
FEMA Disaster Declarations (1973–2026)
Source: OpenFEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries.
| Declaration | Type | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Severe Winter Storm | Winter Storm | Jan 22, 2026 |
| Severe Storms, Straight-line Winds, Tornadoes, And Flooding | Severe Storm | Apr 2, 2025 |
| Severe Storms, Straight-line Winds, And Tornado | Severe Storm | Aug 7, 2023 |
| Severe Winter Storm | Winter Storm | Dec 22, 2022 |
| Covid-19 | Biological | Jan 20, 2020 |
| Covid-19 Pandemic | Biological | Jan 20, 2020 |
| Severe Storms, Flooding, Landslides, And Mudslides | Flood | Feb 19, 2019 |
| Severe Storms, Straight-line Winds, And Flooding | Severe Storm | May 27, 2017 |
| Severe Winter Storm And Flooding | Severe Ice Storm | Feb 15, 2015 |
| Severe Storms, Straight-line Winds, Tornadoes, And | Severe Storm | Jun 18, 2011 |
NOAA Storm Events Database (1996–2025)
Source: NOAA National Weather Service Storm Events Database.
| Type | Date | Damage |
|---|---|---|
| Flood | Aug 22, 2025 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | Aug 13, 2025 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | Jul 30, 2024 | 0.00K |
| Flood | Sep 28, 2024 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | Jul 24, 2024 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | Jul 22, 2024 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | Jun 4, 2024 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | Jul 20, 2023 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | May 16, 2023 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | Aug 10, 2023 | 0.00K |
Flood — Aug 22, 2025
Scattered air mass thunderstorms developed over the east Tennessee mountains, Cumberland plateau, and central Tennessee valley during the afternoon and evening hours of August 22nd. These storms produced some minor flooding near the Karns and Solway areas.
Flash Flood — Aug 13, 2025
Multiple rounds of showers and thunderstorms overnight, culminated with some particularly heavy rain on the morning of August 13th in both Knox and Sullivan counties. This resulted in some flash flooding in both areas.
Flash Flood — Jul 30, 2024
An upper level shortwave coupled with strong wind fields brought multiple rounds of severe weather to East Tennessee, including two mesoscale convective systems. Flash flooding occurred in Knox county.
Flood — Sep 28, 2024
Tropical Storm Helene caps off a several day heavy rainfall event in association with a stalled closed upper low that drew a stream of tropical moisture into the area on the 25th and 26th. The arrival of Helene on the 27th yielded catastrophic flash flooding and river flooding, as well as significant wind damage as wet soils and strong wind gusts led to forest damage.
Flash Flood — Jul 24, 2024
Hot and humid air mass produced diurnal convection that resulted in localized flash flooding at the University of Tennessee.
Source: NOAA National Weather Service Storm Events Database.
Source: OpenFEMA NFIP Individual Claims (2.25M records analyzed).
FEMA assigns flood zone designations to areas in Knox County, Tennessee:
AE High Risk — 1% annual chance of flooding. Insurance required.
VE Very High Risk — Coastal flooding with wave action.
X (Shaded) Moderate Risk — 500-year floodplain.
X Low Risk — Outside major floodplains.
Properties in Knox County, Tennessee that are in FEMA-designated Special Flood Hazard Areas (zones A and V) with federally backed mortgages are required to carry flood insurance.
Even outside high-risk zones, flood insurance is recommended. From 2014 to 2024, nearly one-third of NFIP claims came from outside the high-risk Special Flood Hazard Area.
Visit FloodSmart.gov to find an agent and get a quote.