Shelby County and Memphis sit directly above the New Madrid Seismic Zone — one of the most dangerous earthquake fault systems in North America. A repeat of the 1811-1812 New Madrid earthquakes could be catastrophic for Memphis. The county also faces significant tornado risk, demonstrated by the March 2023 tornado that caused widespread damage across the metro area.
// Preparedness Recommendations
- Identify an interior room or storm shelter.
- Monitor NOAA weather alerts continuously.
- Keep emergency kit accessible at all times.
- Prepare for sudden power outages.
// Recommended Supplies
Essential gear for power outages, severe weather, and emergency situations in your area.
- Emergency Food Supplies
- Water Filtration & Storage
- Backup Generator
- Solar Backup Power
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// Risk Intelligence
| Threat Score | 7 / 10 High Risk |
| Primary Hazard | Tornado / Severe Storm |
| Secondary Hazard | Earthquake |
| FEMA Flood Zone | Zone X (Moderate Risk) |
| Federally Declared Disasters | 40 |
| Last Major Event | Tornado (March 2023) |
| Event Frequency | Major event every 4–5 years |
// Emergency Operations
| Emergency Mgmt Phone | (901) 544-6700 |
| Emergency Shelters | 44 designated facilities |
| Evacuation Routes | I-40 East, I-55 North, I-240, US-72 East |
// County Profile
| County | Shelby County TN |
| State | Tennessee (TN) |
| Population | 929,744 |
| Area | 763 sq miles |
| FEMA Region | Zone X (Moderate Risk) |
// Major Cities
// Cities in This County
// Other Tennessee Counties
// Nearby Infrastructure Risks
Critical infrastructure facilities within or near this area that could affect civilian safety during emergencies, conflict, or infrastructure failures.
Infrastructure risk data is for emergency preparedness awareness. Facility locations are publicly known. Always follow official emergency guidance.