Enter any address in Unicoi County, Tennessee to see its FEMA flood zone
Flash flooding from heavy rainfall events is the primary flood concern in Unicoi County. Recent examples include catastrophic flash flooding and river flooding associated with Tropical Storm Helene in September 2024, and widespread flooding from heavy rain in April 2020.
National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) data shows that while Zone A areas have experienced the most claims, properties in Zone X, which is mapped as moderate to low flood risk, have seen significantly higher average payouts and water depths. This suggests that even areas outside of high-risk zones can experience substantial flood damage.
Homeowners and real estate agents should pay close attention to flood risk, particularly those in or near Zone A areas, and be aware of the potential for significant damage in lower-risk mapped zones.
Summary generated from NOAA storm narratives and NFIP claim data for this county. Not predictive.
4 NOAA storm reports from this county describe what happened, in the words of the meteorologists who were there.
Unicoi County, Tennessee has recorded 21 flood-related events since 1996 according to NOAA's Storm Events Database, including 14 flash floods and 7 river or area floods. The county has received 18 federal disaster declarations, 5 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 |
| Tropical Storm Helene | Tropical Storm | Sep 26, 2024 |
| Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Straight-line Winds, And Flooding | Severe Storm | Apr 12, 2020 |
| Covid-19 | Biological | Jan 20, 2020 |
| Covid-19 Pandemic | Biological | Jan 20, 2020 |
| Severe Storms, Flooding, Landslides, And Mudslides | Flood | Feb 19, 2019 |
| Hurricane Katrina Evacuation | Hurricane | Aug 29, 2005 |
| Severe Storms And Flooding | Severe Storm | Sep 16, 2004 |
| Severe Storms And Flooding | Severe Storm | Jul 27, 2001 |
NOAA Storm Events Database (1996–2025)
Source: NOAA National Weather Service Storm Events Database.
| Type | Date | Damage |
|---|---|---|
| Flash Flood | Sep 27, 2024 | 9.80M (9 deaths) |
| Flash Flood | Apr 13, 2020 | 0.00K |
| Flood | Feb 6, 2020 | 350.00K (1 deaths) |
| Flash Flood | May 21, 2013 | 40.00K |
| Flash Flood | Jun 13, 2013 | 1.00K |
| Flash Flood | Aug 5, 2012 | 50.00K |
| Flash Flood | Aug 5, 2012 | 2.00K |
| Flash Flood | Aug 3, 2012 | 10.00K |
| Flash Flood | Apr 9, 2011 | 10.00K |
| Flood | Aug 17, 2010 | 70.00K |
Flash Flood — Sep 27, 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 — Apr 13, 2020
A prolonged convective event with deep moist southerly flow in an unstable environment with strong wind shear generated supercell thunderstorms across Southeast Tennessee and Southwest North Carolina. The lengthy period of heavy rain resulted in widespread three to four inch rainfall totals across East Tennessee, Southwest North Carolina, and Southwest Virginia.
Flood — Feb 6, 2020
A cold front extending from the Texas coast to the southern Appalachians experienced little movement as low pressure systems moved northeastward along the boundary. This resulted in heavy rainfall of 5 to 6 inches across most of area.
Flash Flood — May 21, 2013
An outflow boundary from a complex of thunderstorms building across the Mid South interacted with moderate to strongly unstable air across Eastern Tennessee mainly north of interstate 40. The slow moving storms produced mainly wind damage with some hail as well as some flash flooding.
Flash Flood — Jun 13, 2013
A cold front tracked through east Tennessee during the afternoon triggering thunderstorms over the area. With a favorable environment in place, two EF 1 tornadoes formed. Both of them downed many trees trees along their path as well as damaged a few roofs on homes. Thunderstorms also downed many trees over much of the area.
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 Unicoi 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 Unicoi 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.