In the last couple of years, it feels as if the world has been pummeled by an onslaught of natural disasters. It is a scary thing, a disconcerting thought, to wonder whether or not you may be in the line of danger. We decided to take a look at a few studies on the state of Tennessee, to take a look and figure out whether or not you need to be prepared.
Flooding
Tabitha Kaylee Park - Flickr Many of us Tennesseans can’t forget the horrible flooding that Nashville experienced in the Spring of 2010, and Memphis in 2011. Unfortunately, unless you’re located in the mountains or higher ground, most river-centric towns in Tennessee are at risk for flooding. In Davidson county, many homes that border a creek or stream are even required to purchase flood insurance.
Snowstorms
Tony Gonzalez - Flickr Middle and East Tennessee are more prone to snow and ice storms, with the Mississippi helping out Memphis substantially. Since it’s so rare for the state to be covered in a milky white cover of cold, you’ll want to make sure that you drive extra carefully. The ice storm in Nashville during 2015 and the 2014 Polar Vortex throughout the state caused substantial accidents and loss of life.
Severe Thunderstorms
J. Curtis - Flickr Tennessee is known for its share of thunderstorms. Most likely, you’ve seen a great blaze of light streak through the sky a time or two. If you’re in the Memphis area, though, you have the greatest chance of a crazy strong storm. Middle Tennessee isn’t very far behind it, though - we’re missing the buffer of the mountains to the east.
Tornados
Rex Hammock - Flickr You hear the sirens, but it’s Lawrence County that has seen two tornados touch down in the last two decades. Homes were leveled, trees uprooted and a solid amount of financial and physical devastation ensued.
Earthquakes
Daniel Lobo - Flickr Here’s the thing: this is not a picture of an earthquake. It is the picture of a street. But, there hasn’t been a severe earthquake in the state since the early 1800s, so we wouldn’t be too worried. We can thank them for Reelfoot Lake, but we won’t be worrying about it anytime soon. The last registered earthquake? A 3.6 in 1984.
You can find links to our sources here, here and here
Tabitha Kaylee Park - Flickr
Many of us Tennesseans can’t forget the horrible flooding that Nashville experienced in the Spring of 2010, and Memphis in 2011. Unfortunately, unless you’re located in the mountains or higher ground, most river-centric towns in Tennessee are at risk for flooding. In Davidson county, many homes that border a creek or stream are even required to purchase flood insurance.
Tony Gonzalez - Flickr
Middle and East Tennessee are more prone to snow and ice storms, with the Mississippi helping out Memphis substantially. Since it’s so rare for the state to be covered in a milky white cover of cold, you’ll want to make sure that you drive extra carefully. The ice storm in Nashville during 2015 and the 2014 Polar Vortex throughout the state caused substantial accidents and loss of life.
J. Curtis - Flickr
Tennessee is known for its share of thunderstorms. Most likely, you’ve seen a great blaze of light streak through the sky a time or two. If you’re in the Memphis area, though, you have the greatest chance of a crazy strong storm. Middle Tennessee isn’t very far behind it, though - we’re missing the buffer of the mountains to the east.
Rex Hammock - Flickr
You hear the sirens, but it’s Lawrence County that has seen two tornados touch down in the last two decades. Homes were leveled, trees uprooted and a solid amount of financial and physical devastation ensued.
Daniel Lobo - Flickr
Here’s the thing: this is not a picture of an earthquake. It is the picture of a street. But, there hasn’t been a severe earthquake in the state since the early 1800s, so we wouldn’t be too worried. We can thank them for Reelfoot Lake, but we won’t be worrying about it anytime soon. The last registered earthquake? A 3.6 in 1984.
What are your thoughts? Let’s lighten it up a little bit with this quirky little piece.
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