Water Damage Restoration in Memphis, TN
Memphis by the numbers: 54 flood report days from 2016 to 2025, 44 freezing nights a year, 13 federal disaster declarations since 2016. Below: first steps, the records, Tennessee insurance help and costs.
Updated October 31, 2026
First Steps for Water in a Home in Memphis
- Burst pipe: shut the main water valve, then open the lowest faucet to drain the lines (burst pipe steps).
- Stay clear of wet outlets and cords.
- Photograph the damage, then call your insurer.
How Often Memphis Floods
Fayette, Shelby and Tipton counties (Tennessee part of the metro) logged flooding on 54 days from 2016 to 2025 (108 NOAA reports), March most often.
At the Memphis International Airport gauge, April is the wettest month with 5.9 inches on average.
| Month | Flood report days | Normal precipitation (in) |
|---|---|---|
| January | 2 | 4.1 |
| February | 6 | 4.6 |
| March | 10 | 5.7 |
| April | 5 | 5.9 |
| May | 2 | 5.3 |
| June | 9 | 4 |
| July | 7 | 4.8 |
| August | 10 | 3.4 |
| September | 1 | 3 |
| October | 0 | 4 |
| November | 0 | 4.7 |
| December | 2 | 5.5 |
| County | Flood report days | Reports |
|---|---|---|
| Shelby County | 47 | 79 |
| Tipton County | 19 | 23 |
| Fayette County | 6 | 6 |
Freezing Nights in Memphis
Memphis averages 44 nights a year at or below 32°F (Memphis International Airport station). About 6 of them drop to 20°F or colder. NOAA counted 19 winter storm, ice or extreme cold days in Fayette, Shelby and Tipton counties (Tennessee part of the metro) from 2016 to 2025.
Unheated crawl spaces, attics and garages freeze first (Red Cross); keep the heat at 55°F or more (IBHS).
Storms and Disasters in Memphis
Fayette, Shelby and Tipton counties (Tennessee part of the metro) were named in 13 federal weather or fire declarations since 2016 (OpenFEMA).
Notable NOAA storm reports
- June 19, 2025: Flash flood (Tipton County)Heavy rain caused flash flooding throughout the Covington area and across much of Tipton County.
- April 2, 2025: Hail, 2 inch hail (Fayette County)A significant multi-hazard, multi-day event occurred across the Mid-South from April 2, 2025, to April 8, 2025, producing 35 tornadoes, record flooding, and numerous reports of damaging winds and large hail.
- March 31, 2023: Thunderstorm wind, 96 mph gust (Tipton County)The rear flank downdraft of the tornado tracked across the Mississippi River into western Tipton County and caused straight-line wind damage from Ray Bluff Road northeast toward Drummonds Road.
- June 7, 2019: Flash flood (Shelby County)Roads closed due to flooding. Several streets around southeast Memphis had several inches of water causing closures for a period of time. Wemberly Drive between Shelby Drive and Tumbler Ridge Lane.
Federal disaster declarations
- February 6, 2026: Severe Winter StormWinter Storm, FEMA DR-4898
- January 24, 2026: Severe Winter StormWinter Storm, FEMA EM-3635
- June 19, 2025: Severe Storms, Straight-Line Winds, Tornadoes, And FloodingSevere Storm, FEMA DR-4878
- April 2, 2025: Severe Storms, Straight-Line Winds, Tornadoes, And FloodingSevere Storm, FEMA EM-3625
- September 4, 2023: Severe Storms And Straight-Line WindsSevere Storm, FEMA DR-4735
- August 17, 2023: Severe Storms And Straight-Line WindsSevere Storm, FEMA DR-4729
- May 17, 2023: Severe Storms, Straight-Line Winds, And TornadoSevere Storm, FEMA DR-4712
- April 7, 2023: Severe Storms, Straight-Line Winds, And TornadoesSevere Storm, FEMA DR-4701
Memphis Housing at a Glance
Census figures for the city of Memphis (American Community Survey, 2020 to 2024): 289,887 housing units, a median build year of 1970, 67% built before 1980, 50% before 1970, 45% owner occupied.
Tennessee Insurance Help for Water Claims
Claim problems in Tennessee go to the Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance.
Flood damage needs a separate flood policy, which typically starts 30 days after purchase (FloodSmart). Look up Memphis flood zones on FEMA's flood maps.
Restoration Cost Guide for Memphis
| Typical range (national) | Cost |
|---|---|
| Most jobs | $1,305 to $5,707 |
| Sewage, per sq ft | $7 to $7.50 |
| Average insurer payout, water or freeze claim | $15,400 |
Sources: Bob Vila, May 2023; III, 2019 to 2023.
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Questions
When is the first freeze in Memphis?
The median first night at or below 32°F is November 16 and the median last is March 16 at the Memphis International Airport station (NOAA normals, 1991 to 2020).
How fast does mold start?
Dry wet materials within 24 to 48 hours (EPA).
Sources: NOAA Storm Events, NOAA normals, OpenFEMA, Census ACS, EPA mold guide.