This river city averages close to 55 inches of precipitation a year, with the wettest stretches in spring and December. Many residents still remember the July 2003 windstorm locals nicknamed Hurricane Elvis, when winds topping 100 mph left most of the county in the dark.
Fire & Water Energy works only as a referral connection to independent restoration contractors. Phone (866) 937-3230 and we will try to link you with a contractor who covers Shelby County, though availability depends on local providers. More on our referral steps and the disclosure.
Straight-line winds, spring tornadoes and Mid-South ice
Wikipedia describes Memphis as humid subtropical, with spring bringing the strongest thunderstorms and occasional tornadoes. Snow is light, about 2.7 inches a season, but freezing rain is considered a greater danger because ice snaps limbs and power lines.
The National Weather Service calls the July 22, 2003, event the Mid South Derecho of 2003. Straight-line winds over 100 mph tore across the city, and more than 300,000 homes, about 70% of Shelby County, lost electricity, some for roughly two weeks. FEMA declarations for the county since 2000 include several severe storm and flooding events in 2011, storms with straight-line winds and flooding in 2017, two straight-line wind events in 2023, a 2025 storm and tornado declaration, and winter storms in 2014, 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2026.
Common sources of household water damage in Shelby County
Heavy rain is the everyday threat. Spring downpours find weak flashing, clogged gutters and cracked window seals, and wind-driven rain can soak attic insulation. During hard freezes, exposed pipes in crawl spaces and exterior walls may split, and long, hot summers keep air conditioners working overtime, which raises the odds of overflowing drain pans.
If you need water damage restoration in Memphis, a typical restoration contractor will shut off the source, extract standing water, remove materials that cannot be saved and dry the rest with commercial equipment. Read about water damage restoration, storm water damage restoration and ceiling water damage repair.
Federal disaster declarations that included Shelby County
FEMA records show Shelby County was included in 18 major disaster declarations for weather or fire events from 2000 through 2026 (14 severe storm, 2 winter storm, 2 severe ice storm, by FEMA incident type). Declarations are made at the county level, so they do not mean every neighborhood in Memphis was affected. The most recent:
- 2026 – Severe Winter Storm (DR-4898)
- 2025 – Severe Storms, Straight-line Winds, Tornadoes, and Flooding (DR-4878)
- 2023 – Severe Storms and Straight-line Winds (DR-4735)
- 2023 – Severe Storms and Straight-line Winds (DR-4729)
- 2023 – Severe Winter Storm (DR-4691)
- 2022 – Severe Winter Storm (DR-4645)
Source: OpenFEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries, retrieved 2026-10-10. Counts include major disaster (DR) declarations with hurricane, flood, severe storm, tropical storm, fire, tornado, coastal storm, winter or ice storm, mudslide and dam/levee incident types.
Water, fire or storm damage in Memphis?
Call (866) 937-3230 and tell us what happened at your Memphis property.
Fire and smoke risks during outages and freezes
Long power outages raise fire risk. Wikipedia notes that some deaths linked to the 2003 derecho came from fires started by unattended candles and from generator accidents. Space heaters used during ice storms are another hazard. The city also experienced a deadly propane tanker explosion at the I-40/I-240 interchange in Midtown in 1988 that set nearby structures alight.
Contractors commonly secure the property, remove debris, clean soot and treat lingering odor. See fire damage cleanup and smoke damage cleanup. Never run a generator indoors or in an attached garage.
Downed trees, flash flooding and storm recovery
Because downtown sits atop a bluff, the river itself is less of a threat to many homes than intense local rain and wind. Repeated FEMA declarations listing flooding show how storm runoff can overwhelm low ground across the county. Toppled trees, a hallmark of the 2003 windstorm, can break roofs open and let rain pour inside.
Treat floodwater as contaminated. A reputable company will usually tarp damaged roofs, remove wet drywall and flooring, sanitize and dry. More on flood cleanup and storm damage cleanup.
Why mold moves fast in Mid-South humidity
With more than 60 days above 90 degrees in a typical year and frequent rain, damp materials in Memphis homes can grow mold within a day or two. Check behind baseboards, under sinks and in attics after any leak.
EPA guidance suggests homeowners can usually tackle an area smaller than about 10 square feet; larger growth or mold after sewage or floodwater calls for a professional with containment. Learn more about mold removal.
Protecting your family and your claim
- Call 911 for fires, injuries or anyone trapped.
- Report outages, gas odors and downed lines to Memphis Light, Gas and Water (MLGW); keep well away from any wire.
- Do not wade through floodwater or switch on wet electrical equipment.
- Photograph damage thoroughly before cleanup and keep removed items for the adjuster when possible.
- Your coverage depends on your policy, so talk with your insurer or agent early.
Afterward, call (866) 937-3230 for a contractor referral, or visit our Tennessee service areas.
Neighborhoods and nearby communities
Areas in and around Memphis that callers often mention include:
- Downtown
- Midtown
- Cooper-Young
- South Main Arts District
- Broad Avenue
- South Memphis
Nearby communities with their own pages (straight-line distance from Memphis):
- Bartlett · 11 mi
- Southaven, MS · 11 mi
- Horn Lake, MS · 13 mi
- Germantown · 14 mi
- Millington · 16 mi
- Olive Branch, MS · 18 mi
Memphis restoration FAQs
What was Hurricane Elvis in Memphis?
It was the local nickname for the Mid South Derecho of 2003, a line of storms on July 22, 2003, with straight-line winds over 100 mph. More than 300,000 homes in Shelby County lost power. It is a reminder that wind, not just tornadoes, can wreck roofs here.
Is ice or snow the bigger concern in Memphis?
Ice. Average snowfall is under 3 inches, but freezing rain brings down tree limbs and power lines. Shelby County has had several FEMA winter storm declarations, most recently in 2026.
When is the stormiest time of year?
Spring, roughly March through May, brings the heaviest rain and most tornado activity, and December is also wet. Clean gutters and check roofs before those seasons.
Who should I call about a downed power line after a storm?
Stay far away and contact Memphis Light, Gas and Water (MLGW) or 911 if there is immediate danger. Do not try to move branches touching lines. Once the area is safe, a contractor can address the damage.
Does Fire & Water Energy have crews in Memphis?
No. We are a referral service and try to connect you with independent contractors working locally. Check each contractor's licensing, insurance and written estimate before work starts.
Restoration guides
- Water Damage Restoration
- Storm Damage Cleanup
- Storm Water Damage Restoration
- Flood Cleanup
- Fire Damage Cleanup
- Mold Removal