Enter any address in Putnam County, Tennessee to see its FEMA flood zone
Flash flooding from heavy rainfall events is the primary flood hazard in Putnam County. Over the past 30 years, NOAA Storm Events data shows 59 flash flood events and 16 flood events. Recent examples include flash flooding in the Cookeville and Algood areas on February 12, 2024, where heavy rain caused impassable conditions in low-lying areas. Additionally, on July 30, 2024, heavy rain across the Cumberland Plateau contributed to flooding in portions of Putnam County.
National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) claims data indicates that properties in Zone X have experienced the most claims, with an average payout of $34,854 and an average water depth of 1.0 foot. While claims in Zone A and Zone X_Unshaded have been fewer, with minimal reported water depth, homeowners in all flood zones should remain aware of potential risks. Residents in low-lying areas and those with properties not built to Base Flood Elevation (BFE) should pay particular attention to flood risk information.
Summary generated from NOAA storm narratives and NFIP claim data for this county. Not predictive.
24 NOAA storm reports from this county describe what happened, in the words of the meteorologists who were there.
Putnam County, Tennessee has recorded 75 flood-related events since 1996 according to NOAA's Storm Events Database, including 59 flash floods and 16 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 (1974–2026)
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 Winter Storm | Winter Storm | Dec 22, 2022 |
| Severe Winter Storms | Severe Ice Storm | Feb 11, 2021 |
| Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Straight-line Winds, And Flooding | Tornado | Mar 3, 2020 |
| Covid-19 | Biological | Jan 20, 2020 |
| Covid-19 Pandemic | Biological | Jan 20, 2020 |
| 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 And Flooding | Severe Storm | Aug 17, 2010 |
NOAA Storm Events Database (1996–2025)
Source: NOAA National Weather Service Storm Events Database.
| Type | Date | Damage |
|---|---|---|
| Flash Flood | Jul 30, 2024 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | Jul 30, 2024 | 250.00K |
| Flash Flood | Feb 12, 2024 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | May 8, 2024 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | Jul 20, 2023 | 50.00K |
| Flash Flood | May 18, 2023 | 500.00K |
| Flash Flood | Jul 21, 2022 | 10.00K |
| Flood | Aug 10, 2022 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | Mar 27, 2021 | 0.00K |
| Flood | Sep 18, 2021 | 0.00K |
Flash Flood — Jul 30, 2024
Two lines of thunderstorms moved through Middle Tennessee on July 30, 2024. One of these lines moved through the area during the afternoon while the second arrived late in the evening. Damaging winds were the primary threat with these thunderstorms with numerous reports of downed trees and power lines received. Heavy rain was also reported across the Cumberland Plateau with flooding occurring i...
Flash Flood — Feb 12, 2024
Heavy rain moved into Middle Tennessee on February 12, 2024. This was the fourth consecutive day of rain across the area, so grounds were already saturated. An estimated one to two inches of rain fell very quickly in the Cookeville and Algood areas in Putnam County which caused flooding in poor drainage and low-lying areas. Several roads in the area were rendered impassable.
Flash Flood — May 8, 2024
A widespread severe weather event impacted Middle Tennessee beginning in the early morning hours of May 8, 2024, and continued through the early morning hours of May 9th. During this time frame, numerous rounds of severe weather moved through the area, causing widespread wind damage in nearly every county in Middle Tennessee, hail up to 3 inches in diameter, and four tornadoes. One of these tor...
Flash Flood — Jul 20, 2023
A very strong squall line made its way through Middle Tennessee during the morning and afternoon hours of July 20, 2023. Damaging straight-line winds were the primary threat associated with this line of thunderstorms with wind gusts of 65 to 80 mph common. The most significant damage was reported in Sumner and Wilson counties with numerous reports of downed trees and powerlines received. Meanwh...
Flash Flood — May 18, 2023
A weak upper-level low moved over Middle Tennessee on May 18, 2023. This combined with plenty of moisture and diurnal heating allowed for scattered showers and thunderstorms during the afternoon and evening hours. With shear values being weak, an organized and widespread severe weather threat did not happen although one thunderstorm in Rutherford County did become severe briefly. The most signi...
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 Putnam 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 Putnam 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.