Natural Disaster Risk in Gordonsville

Natural Hazard Profile: Gordonsville, Tennessee

Located in the interior eastern United States in Smith County, Gordonsville is a small community of about 1,826. The humid subtropical climate that characterizes this part of Tennessee — marked by hot summers, mild winters, and transitional weather patterns — directly influences the types and severity of natural hazards present, making Gordonsville a community where hazard awareness has real practical value.

Gordonsville's overall natural disaster risk is rated 4.6/10 (Moderate) by FEMA's National Risk Index. Slope instability and debris flows are the primary natural hazard, driven by a combination of local geology, precipitation intensity, and terrain that creates susceptibility to failure. Secondary hazards include earthquake and tornado.

Relative to other U.S. communities, Gordonsville's natural disaster risk is near the U.S. national average of 4.5/10, slightly below the 5.8/10 state average. The hazard distribution here is led by landslide and earthquake, as measured by FEMA across Smith County. While city-specific sub-county variation exists, these scores represent the best available federal risk estimate.

With a moderate risk rating, Gordonsville 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.