Natural Disaster Risk in Cosby

Natural Hazard Profile: Cosby, Tennessee

Cosby, in Cocke County, is a town of roughly 6,708 residents situated in the interior eastern United States. Its humid subtropical climate brings hot summers, mild winters, and transitional weather patterns, and in particular tornado risk in both spring and fall. These conditions collectively define the natural hazard environment that Cosby residents and property owners must navigate.

Cosby's overall natural disaster risk is rated 5.9/10 (Moderate) by FEMA's National Risk Index. The area faces significant landslide risk, where mountainous topography and saturated soils during wet periods combine to create hazardous mass movement conditions. Secondary hazards include earthquake and lightning.

Within Tennessee, Cosby's risk is, near the 5.8/10 state average. Nationally, it ranks above the U.S. national average of 4.5/10. FEMA's analysis of Cocke County identifies landslide as the foremost hazard, followed by earthquake and lightning. These rankings reflect the relative frequency and severity of each hazard type in the local environment.

With a moderate risk rating, Cosby residents are well-served by maintaining standard preparedness practices — an emergency supply kit, awareness of local hazard seasonality, and insurance that covers the top local risks. Periodic review of coverage for landslide is recommended.