Davidson County's consolidated Metro government covers a wide mix of terrain, from about 385 feet at the riverbank to more than 1,100 feet near Radnor Lake. Around 50 inches of precipitation fall in an average year, and spring storms regularly bring tornado warnings across the region.
Rather than doing repairs, Fire & Water Energy passes callers along to local independent pros. Call (866) 937-3230 and we will try to point you to an independent restoration contractor who serves Nashville and Davidson County; who is available varies. Review how referrals work and our disclosure.
Cumberland River floods and Middle Tennessee tornadoes
The defining local disaster of recent decades is the May 1-7, 2010, flood, which Wikipedia says killed 11 people and caused damages estimated above $2 billion. Tornadoes have also left deep scars: one struck on April 16, 1998; another tracked west to east north of downtown on March 3, 2020, killing five; and storms on December 9, 2023, killed seven people across the region.
Winter is mild compared with points north, about 4.7 inches of snow a year, but more than 70 days typically dip below freezing. FEMA has included Davidson County in 15 major disaster declarations since 2000, among them the 2010 severe storms and flooding (DR-1909), the 2020 tornadoes (DR-4476), the 2021 storms and flooding (DR-4601) and a 2026 Severe Winter Storm (DR-4898).
Everyday leaks and sudden plumbing failures
Hilly lots send runoff toward foundations and basements, so heavy rain can seep through walls or overwhelm sump pumps. Older bungalows and newer townhomes alike suffer split supply lines during a deep freeze, and summer humidity keeps HVAC drain lines prone to clogging. Wind-damaged shingles let rain into attics where it can go unnoticed for days.
For water damage restoration in Nashville, ask the contractor how it will find hidden moisture, what drying equipment it plans to use and how it records progress. Related pages: water damage repair, basement flood cleanup and emergency water removal.
Federal disaster declarations that included Davidson County
FEMA records show Davidson County was included in 15 major disaster declarations for weather or fire events from 2000 through 2026 (9 severe storm, 3 tornado, 2 winter storm, 1 severe ice storm, by FEMA incident type). Declarations are made at the county level, so they do not mean every neighborhood in Nashville 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 Tornadoes (DR-4751)
- 2023 – Severe Storms, Straight-line Winds, and Tornado (DR-4712)
- 2023 – Severe Winter Storm (DR-4691)
- 2022 – Severe Storms, Straight-line Winds, and Tornadoes (DR-4637)
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 Nashville?
Call (866) 937-3230 and tell us what happened at your Nashville property.
When a fire leaves soot behind
Kitchen mishaps, dryer lint and overloaded cords cause many house fires, and outages after storms bring extra risk from candles and portable generators. Smoke particles work into carpet, drapes and HVAC ducts, so odor often lingers long after the visible soot is gone.
A typical restoration contractor will board up, clear debris, clean or replace affected surfaces and treat odors. Our guides to fire damage restoration and smoke odor removal describe each stage.
Flash floods, river rises and tornado debris
The Cumberland, the Harpeth and creeks such as Mill Creek can climb quickly during prolonged rain, and low-lying streets and yards may flood before the main river crests. The Metro Office of Emergency Management lists flooding, tornadoes, thunderstorms and severe winter weather among the hazards residents should plan for, and it operates outdoor tornado warning sirens.
After a tornado, roofs and windows are often breached and rain follows. Contractors usually tarp openings, remove soaked materials and disinfect anything touched by floodwater. Learn about flood damage restoration and storm damage cleanup.
Drying out before mold takes hold
Warm, wet springs and humid summers make Middle Tennessee friendly to mold. Basements, crawl spaces and wall cavities that stay damp after a leak can show growth within 24 to 48 hours.
The EPA's rule of thumb: an area under about 10 square feet can often be handled by a homeowner, while anything larger, or mold from contaminated water, should go to a qualified professional. Read about mold remediation.
Staying safe in Davidson County after damage
- Dial 911 for fire, injury, gas smells or people in danger.
- Sign up for Metro Emergency Alerts through the Office of Emergency Management, and take shelter when sirens sound.
- Never drive or walk into moving water.
- Report non-emergency city issues through hubNashville or 311.
- Document every loss with photos and notes, then check with your insurer or agent about what your policy covers.
Then call (866) 937-3230 for help finding a contractor, or see our Tennessee page.
Neighborhoods and nearby communities
Areas in and around Nashville that callers often mention include:
- East Nashville
- Germantown
- The Gulch
- 12South
- Sylvan Park
- The Nations
- Green Hills
- Donelson
- Hermitage
- Antioch
- Madison
- Bellevue
- Old Hickory
- Inglewood
- Lockeland Springs
- North Nashville
- Whites Creek
- Joelton
Nearby communities with their own pages (straight-line distance from Nashville):
- Brentwood · 9 mi
- Goodlettsville · 12 mi
- Hendersonville · 13 mi
- Mount Juliet · 15 mi
- La Vergne · 15 mi
- Franklin · 17 mi
Nashville restoration FAQs
How bad was the 2010 Nashville flood?
Flooding from May 1 to 7, 2010, killed 11 people and caused more than $2 billion in damage, according to Wikipedia. FEMA declared it a major disaster (DR-1909). It showed that even homes away from the Cumberland can flood when creeks and drainage overflow.
How do I get emergency alerts in Davidson County?
The Metro Office of Emergency Management offers registration for Metro Emergency Alerts on its website. Outdoor tornado warning sirens are also used. Have a second way to get warnings, such as a weather radio.
What should I do if a tornado opens my roof?
Make sure everyone is safe and stay away from downed lines and unstable walls. Cover openings only if it is safe, photograph the damage and contact your insurer. An independent contractor can tarp and dry the structure.
Do Nashville homes get frozen pipes?
Yes. The area averages more than 70 days below freezing, and a hard cold snap can split pipes in crawl spaces and outside walls. Know where your shutoff valve is before winter.
Is Fire & Water Energy a local contractor?
No. We refer callers to independent restoration contractors and do not do the work ourselves. Ask each contractor about licensing, insurance and a written estimate.
Restoration guides
- Flood Damage Restoration
- Basement Flood Cleanup
- Storm Damage Cleanup
- Water Damage Repair
- Mold Remediation
- Fire Damage Restoration