Claiborne County, Tennessee
County storm and disaster record · FIPS 47025 · population 32,028 · 435 sq mi
NOAA's Storm Events Database holds 358 records for Claiborne County, Tennessee from 1950 through June 30, 2026, on 272 days; the most frequent are severe thunderstorm wind events (203 records). The deadliest single record is the May 8, 2024 thunderstorm wind: 1 death. FEMA has issued 21 declarations naming the county since 1973, 19 of them for natural hazards; the latest for a natural hazard was “Severe Winter Storm” on February 6, 2026.
The record, 1950 to 2026
Storm records filed for the county each year (2026 to June 30, 2026). Before 1996 NOAA recorded only tornadoes (from 1950), thunderstorm wind and hail (from 1955).
- recorded, no damage figure
- under $100,000
- $100,000 or more
- $1 million or more
- $10 million or more, or a death
- $100 million or more, or 10 deaths
- a year's colour: its recorded damage or deaths
- a year with a death
- 1955: wind and hail recorded from 1955
- 1996: all 48 event types from 1996
- Storm records
- 358on 272 days, 1950 to June 30, 2026
- Deaths recorded
- 218 injuries
- Damage, 2025 dollars
- $9.2Mas filed (scale steps before 1993)
- Tornadoes
- 11strongest EF3
- FEMA declarations
- 21latest 2026
Source: NOAA NCEI Storm Events Database, records through June 30, 2026 (file revision 20260918); damage converted to 2025 dollars with the BLS CPI-U. Search the record at NCEI. BLS consumer price index.
What hazards hit Claiborne County most?
The most frequent records are severe thunderstorm wind events: 203 since 1967. 51% of its severe thunderstorm wind events since 1967 fell in June and July. The rank column places the county among Tennessee's counties by days with a record per 1,000 square miles of land over each hazard's complete period.
| Hazard | Records | Days | First, last | Killed | Injured | Damage | Rank in state |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Severe thunderstorm wind | 203 | 154 | 1967-2025 | 1 | 0 | $2.2M | 42 of 95 |
| Winter storms | 59 | 54 | 1996-2026 | 0 | 0 | $27K | 51 of 95 |
| Hail | 46 | 39 | 1972-2025 | 0 | 0 | $9K | 75 of 95 |
| Floods | 32 | 28 | 1996-2025 | 1 | 0 | $3.4M | 65 of 95 |
| Tornadoes | 11 | 10 | 2000-2026 | 0 | 18 | $3.4M | 68 of 95 |
| High wind and dust storms | 3 | 2 | 2006-2024 | 0 | 0 | $29K | 93 of 95 |
| Drought | 1 | 1 | 1998-1998 | 0 | 0 | – | 80 of 95 |
| Landslides and avalanches | 1 | 1 | 2023-2023 | 0 | 0 | – | 4 of 95 |
| Lightning | 1 | 1 | 2010-2010 | 0 | 0 | $32K | 75 of 95 |
| Fog, smoke and funnel clouds | 1 | 1 | 1998-1998 | 0 | 0 | $91K | 46 of 95 |
Source: NOAA NCEI Storm Events Database (county and forecast-zone records attributed to the county; a zone record shows its own totals on each county it covers). Days: dates with at least one record of the hazard in the county. Ranks: days with a record per 1,000 square miles of land (Census Bureau 2024 Gazetteer), since 1950 for tornadoes, 1955 for hail and thunderstorm wind, 1996 for the rest.
How many tornadoes has Claiborne County had?
NOAA records 11 tornadoes in Claiborne County from 2000 to 2026, the strongest rated EF3, with 0 deaths and 18 injuries recorded in the county. A tornado that crossed a county line is counted in each county it touched, with the length of its path inside the county.
Counted as whole tornadoes rather than county records, the Storm Prediction Center's database holds 10 tornadoes whose track touched Claiborne County since 1950 (NOAA's county records number 11: they file a crossing tornado once per county segment, and the two databases differ on some tracks); along their whole tracks they killed 0 people.
| Date | Tornado | Rating | Path | Killed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014-07-27 15:58, as SPC files it | Unnamed | EF3 | 4.66 mi | 0 |
Map of the strongest tornado tracks in Tennessee.
Every tornado record filed for Claiborne County (11)
| Date | Place | Character | Killed | Injured | Damage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026-05-22 | New Tazewell, Claiborne County | EF0 1.49 mi x 75 yd | 0 | 0 | $300K |
| 2020-01-11 | Tazewell, Claiborne County | EF0 3.3 mi x 30 yd | 0 | 0 | – |
| 2019-10-31 | Murphy Mill, Claiborne County | EF0 1.5 mi x 200 yd | 0 | 0 | – |
| 2014-07-27 | Speedwell, Claiborne County | EF3 1.81 mi x 800 yd | 0 | 0 | – |
| 2013-03-03 | New Tazewell, Claiborne County | EF1 1.45 mi x 35 yd | 0 | 0 | – |
| 2012-03-02 | Union, Claiborne County | EF1 2.5 mi x 200 yd | 0 | 0 | $129K |
| 2012-03-02 | Fibre, Claiborne County | EF2 2.6 mi x 250 yd | 0 | 4 | $643K |
| 2009-05-08 | Tazewell, Claiborne County | EF2 2.2 mi x 100 yd | 0 | 0 | – |
| 2007-04-26 | Tazewell, Claiborne County | EF1 4.6 mi x 75 yd | 0 | 7 | $605K |
| 2007-04-03 | New Tazewell, Claiborne County | EF1 12 mi x 150 yd | 0 | 7 | $1.7M |
| 2000-04-20 | Manring, Claiborne County | F0 0.1 mi x 20 yd | 0 | 0 | $17K |
Source: NOAA NCEI Storm Events Database, tornado records by county (path length in the county, maximum width); ratings as published: F scale before February 1, 2007, EF scale after. Whole-track figures: NOAA Storm Prediction Center tornado database (1950-2025). SPC severe weather database.
When was the last damaging storm in Claiborne County?
The most recent record with damage, injuries or deaths is the May 22, 2026 tornado ($300,000 in damage in 2025 dollars).
A tornado touched down in New Tazewell the evening of May 22nd, 2026, the first tornado for East Tennessee in 2026. The tornado first developed along Coffey Road where several hardwood trees were damaged and one home had minor siding damage. The tornado intensified as it approached downtown New Tazewell. Here, several buildings sustained significant damage with one sustaining major roof uplift and subsequent wall collapse. Another smaller wooden structure also completely collapsed. Other businesses in this area also sustained minor damage. Here the tornado was at its widest point of approximately 75 yards. Several power poles were snapped in this area as well. The tornado then wound down quickly with only very minor roof damage noted along Highway 33 and 5th Avenue. …
National Weather Service event narrative, NOAA Storm Events Database (search the full record, event 1338670)
| Date | Record | Character | Killed | Injured | Damage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026-05-22 | TornadoNew Tazewell, Claiborne County | EF0 1.49 mi x 75 yd | 0 | 0 | $300K |
| 2026-03-16 | Winter WeatherClaiborne County · forecast zone Claiborne | 0 | 0 | – | |
| 2026-01-30 | Heavy SnowClaiborne County · forecast zone Claiborne | 0 | 0 | – | |
| 2026-01-24 | Winter WeatherClaiborne County · forecast zone Claiborne | 0 | 0 | – | |
| 2025-09-04 | Thunderstorm WindCave Spg, Claiborne County | 52 kt wind | 0 | 0 | – |
| 2025-09-04 | HailMurphy Mill, Claiborne County | 1.00 in hail | 0 | 0 | – |
| 2025-08-02 | Flash FloodBig Spg, Claiborne County | 0 | 0 | – | |
| 2025-05-20 | Thunderstorm WindArthur, Claiborne County | 52 kt wind | 0 | 0 | – |
| 2025-05-08 | HailShawanee, Claiborne County | 1.00 in hail | 0 | 0 | – |
| 2025-05-08 | HailBacchus, Claiborne County | 1.25 in hail | 0 | 0 | – |
| 2025-02-19 | Winter WeatherClaiborne County · forecast zone Claiborne | 0 | 0 | – | |
| 2025-02-16 | FloodSycamore Hall, Claiborne County | 0 | 0 | – |
Source: NOAA NCEI Storm Events Database; every record of 2025-2026 is listed, earlier ones when they caused deaths, injuries or $250,000 of damage (2025 dollars), and every tornado.
The deadliest and costliest records
| Date | Record | Character | Killed | Injured | Damage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024-05-08 | Thunderstorm WindLone Mtn, Claiborne County Several trees were blown down across the county by thunderstorm wind gusts, with one tree falling through a home. A separate tree fell on a car killing the occupant at the intersection of Lone Mountain Rd and Jennings Lane. | 52 kt wind | 1 | 0 | – |
| 2011-06-20 | Flash FloodTazewell, Claiborne County Emergency management personnel reported heavy rain from thunderstorms produced flooding to at least 20 homes from Harrogate to Tazewell. One person drowned in Harrogate. | 1 | 0 | $131K | |
| 2007-04-26 | TornadoTazewell, Claiborne County An EF1 tornado touched down on Fords Chapel Road between New Hope Road and Barren Creek Road. A few trees were snapped in this area. The tornado tracked northeast along Barren Creek Road where multiple mobile homes were damaged, one blown over and destroyed. Tree damage was extensive along Barren Creek Road, with ... | EF1 4.6 mi x 75 yd | 0 | 7 | $605K |
| 2007-04-03 | TornadoNew Tazewell, Claiborne County A tornado rated EF1 started five miles northwest of New Tazewell and ended five miles south of Tazewell. The length was approximately 12 miles long and 150 yards wide. The greatest damage occurred across New Tazewell where several trailers were blown off their foundations. Also, trees were blown down county-wide. | EF1 12 mi x 150 yd | 0 | 7 | $1.7M |
| 2012-03-02 | TornadoFibre, Claiborne County An EF-2 tornado with a maximum wind speed of 120 mph created a damage path 2.6 miles in length and 250 yards wide across the northern part of Harrogate. Along the tornado track, 5 homes were destroyed, 7 suffered major damage, and 17 had minor damage. Also, four residents were injured in the storm. | EF2 2.6 mi x 250 yd | 0 | 4 | $643K |
| Date | Record | Character | Killed | Injured | Damage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2007-04-03 | TornadoNew Tazewell, Claiborne County | EF1 12 mi x 150 yd | 0 | 7 | $1.7M |
| 2003-02-14 | FloodClaiborne County · forecast zone Claiborne | 0 | 0 | $1.4M | |
| 2021-03-28 | Flash FloodTazewell, Claiborne County | 0 | 0 | $1.3M | |
| 2012-03-02 | TornadoFibre, Claiborne County | EF2 2.6 mi x 250 yd | 0 | 4 | $643K |
| 2007-04-26 | TornadoTazewell, Claiborne County | EF1 4.6 mi x 75 yd | 0 | 7 | $605K |
| 1998-04-15 | Flash FloodCountywide, Claiborne County | 0 | 0 | $483K | |
| 2026-05-22 | TornadoNew Tazewell, Claiborne County | EF0 1.49 mi x 75 yd | 0 | 0 | $300K |
| 2011-06-20 | Flash FloodTazewell, Claiborne County | 1 | 0 | $131K |
Source: NOAA NCEI Storm Events Database: deaths and injuries direct and indirect; damage is property plus crops as estimated by the National Weather Service, converted to 2025 dollars.
Is it getting more frequent?
Records per decade for Claiborne County's most frequent hazards. Counts rose everywhere after 1996, when NOAA began recording every event type, so compare decades within a hazard's complete period only (the shaded cells come before it).
| Hazard | 1950s | 1960s | 1970s | 1980s | 1990s | 2000s | 2010s | 2020-26 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Severe thunderstorm wind | 0 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 25 | 87 | 49 | 38 |
| Winter storms | – | – | – | – | 10 | 17 | 18 | 14 |
| Hail | 0 | 0 | 1 | 3 | 12 | 18 | 6 | 6 |
| Floods | – | – | – | – | 9 | 6 | 8 | 9 |
| Tornadoes | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 5 | 2 |
Source: NOAA NCEI Storm Events Database, records per calendar decade; zone records from the CZ_TYPE field (Z).
What time of year?
51% of its severe thunderstorm wind events since 1967 fell in June and July. The two busiest months are in violet.
The values, month by month
Jan 38 · Feb 31 · Mar 23 · Apr 32 · May 39 · Jun 67 · Jul 62 · Aug 17 · Sep 13 · Oct 9 · Nov 12 · Dec 15 (records).
Source: NOAA NCEI Storm Events Database, records by the month they began.
Federal disaster declarations for Claiborne County
FEMA's register lists 21 declarations that include Claiborne County: 16 major disasters, 5 emergencies and 0 fire management assistance declarations. Most were for severe storm (8) and flood (4).
| Declared | Number | Type | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026-02-06 | DR-4898 | Winter Storm | Severe Winter Storm |
| 2026-01-24 | EM-3635 | Winter Storm | Severe Winter Storm |
| 2025-04-02 | EM-3625 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms, Straight-Line Winds, Tornadoes, and Flooding |
| 2024-10-02 | DR-4832 | Tropical Storm | Tropical Storm Helene |
| 2021-05-08 | DR-4601 | Tornado | Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding |
| 2020-04-02 | DR-4514 | Biological | Covid-19 Pandemic |
| 2020-03-13 | EM-3473 | Biological | Covid-19 |
| 2019-04-17 | DR-4427 | Flood | Severe Storms, Flooding, Landslides, and Mudslides |
| 2015-04-02 | DR-4211 | Severe Ice Storm | Severe Winter Storm and Flooding |
| 2014-08-13 | DR-4189 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Straight-Line Winds, and Flooding |
| 2012-03-16 | DR-4060 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Straight-Line Winds and |
| 2011-07-20 | DR-4005 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms, Straight-Line Winds, Tornadoes, and |
| 2005-09-05 | EM-3217 | Hurricane | Hurricane Katrina Evacuation |
| 2003-03-20 | DR-1456 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms and Flooding |
| 2002-04-05 | DR-1408 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms and Flooding |
| 1999-01-15 | DR-1260 | Severe Storm | Severe Winter Storm |
| 1998-04-20 | DR-1215 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms, Tornadoes and Flooding |
| 1993-03-14 | EM-3095 | Snowstorm | Severe Snowfall, Winter Storm |
| 1984-05-25 | DR-708 | Flood | Severe Storms & Flooding |
| 1977-04-29 | DR-533 | Flood | Severe Storms & Flooding |
| 1973-03-21 | DR-366 | Flood | Heavy Rains & Flooding |
Source: FEMA OpenFEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries (v2), declarations through October 2, 2026; one declaration is counted once however many areas it names. OpenFEMA dataset page.
How many floods has Claiborne County had?
NOAA's Storm Events Database holds 32 flood or flash flood records for Claiborne County from 1996 to 2025, on 28 days, with 1 death. By flood insurance claims since 1978 (OpenFEMA, as of September 8, 2026), Claiborne County ranks 1907th of 2,942 U.S. counties.
The National Flood Insurance Program has paid $480,000 on 30 claims filed in Claiborne County; the most in one year was 12 in 2011. Claims count insured losses only: uninsured flood damage is not in this file.
The values, year by year
1978: 1 · 1980: 1 · 1981: 1 · 1984: 2 · 1991: 2 · 1998: 2 · 2001: 1 · 2002: 1 · 2003: 3 · 2011: 12 · 2018: 2 · 2020: 1 · 2021: 1; the other years: 0.
Source: FEMA OpenFEMA NFIP Redacted Claims, as of September 8, 2026; claims by year of loss, payments in the dollars of the year paid. OpenFEMA dataset page.
FEMA's modeled risk for Claiborne County
FEMA's National Risk Index rates Claiborne County Relatively Low overall, with an expected annual loss of $10.2 million. These are FEMA's model estimates of future loss from 18 hazards, not a count of what happened; they can differ from the record above.
| Hazard | Risk rating | Expected annual loss | Modeled frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Landslide | Relatively Moderate | $85K | 1.7 a year (modeled) |
| Cold Wave | Relatively Moderate | $1.7M | 1.1 a year (modeled) |
| Winter Weather | Relatively Moderate | $101K | 8.7 a year (modeled) |
| Strong Wind | Relatively Moderate | $548K | 5.2 a year (modeled) |
| Wildfire | Relatively Low | $354K | once in about 146 years (modeled) |
| Earthquake | Relatively Low | $718K | once in about 337 years (modeled) |
| Lightning | Relatively Low | $223K | 53 a year (modeled) |
| Hail | Relatively Low | $253K | 3 a year (modeled) |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index, county table, December 2025 release. FEMA's National Risk Index map.
Counties that share a border with Claiborne County
Source: U.S. Census Bureau county adjacency file; NOAA NCEI Storm Events Database, records since 1950. The Census Bureau's adjacency file.
Next
- Tornadoes in TennesseeEvery Tennessee tornado since 1950 and the counties with the most per square mile
- Severe thunderstorm wind in TennesseeThe state's severe thunderstorm wind events, by county, year and month
- The Tennessee recordEvery hazard in the state, its deadliest events and its federal declarations
- FEMA's risk rating for each hazard in Claiborne CountyThe hazard risk calculator: 18 hazards beside the county's record
- Download Claiborne County's FEMA declarations (CSV)21 rows: every declaration that named the county, for your own analysis