Natural Disaster Risk in Paris

Natural Hazard Profile: Paris, Tennessee

Paris is a city of approximately 19,293 residents in Henry County, in the interior eastern United States. The area experiences hot summers, mild winters, and transitional weather patterns, with tornado risk in both spring and fall shaping the pattern of natural hazards that residents encounter. Understanding the local risk profile is essential for anyone living in, moving to, or owning property in Paris.

According to FEMA's National Risk Index, Paris carries an overall risk score of 6.8/10, placing it in the high category. Extreme cold snaps top the local risk profile, with Arctic front passages causing rapid and severe temperature drops that challenge both infrastructure and outdoor safety. The area also faces notable exposure to earthquake and ice storm.

Paris's risk score, slightly above the 5.8/10 state average and well above the U.S. national average of 4.5/10. Of the 18 hazard categories tracked by FEMA for Henry County, the highest-scoring are cold wave, earthquake, and ice storm. These scores reflect county-level data and represent the baseline risk that all communities in the county share.

With a high natural disaster risk rating, Paris residents benefit from taking preparedness seriously. Reviewing insurance coverage for cold wave and secondary hazards, registering for emergency alerts, and maintaining a household emergency kit are practical steps that can significantly reduce impact during a major event.