Suffolk, Virginia: natural disaster risk
How exposed Suffolk is to floods, storms and other hazards, from FEMA and NOAA records for Suffolk City.
Suffolk is a city of 98,796 people in Suffolk City, Virginia. FEMA's National Risk Index rates Suffolk City relatively low for natural hazards overall, lower than most of the US. The costliest hazards there are inland flooding, hurricane and drought, with about $25.4 million in expected losses a year across the county. The weather service has logged 299 storm reports in the county since 1959, including 22 tornadoes and 35 floods. NOAA hurricane records show 14 hurricanes and 39 tropical storms passing within 65 miles of the county's center. About 2.5% of homes in the county carry federal flood insurance.
Risk figures are for Suffolk City. FEMA National Risk Index December 2025; NOAA Storm Events; US Census Bureau ACS 2020 to 2024. Updated November 6, 2026.
Top risks in Suffolk
Full Suffolk City report ›- Check the FEMA flood map for your address, and ask the seller or landlord about past flooding.
- Price a flood policy now. Most new federal policies take 30 days to start.
- Know your evacuation zone and route before June 1.
- Ask about roof age, shutters and the separate wind or hurricane deductible on your home policy.
- Check local water restrictions.
- Choose drought-tolerant plants.
All hazards
| Hazard | Rating | A year |
|---|---|---|
| Inland flooding | $9M | |
| Hurricane | $7M | |
| Drought | $2M | |
| Tornado | $2M | |
| Heat wave | $1M | |
| Cold wave | $903K | |
| Strong wind | $897K | |
| Coastal flooding | $707K | |
| Winter weather | $523K | |
| Lightning | $446K | |
| Earthquake | $404K | |
| Hail | $291K |
Homes in Suffolk
Older homes and mobile homes usually take more damage in storms, floods and earthquakes. Ask about roof age, flood history and retrofits before you buy or rent.
Strongest tornadoes in Suffolk City
Common questions about Suffolk
Is Suffolk safe from natural disasters?
Suffolk is in Suffolk City, which FEMA's National Risk Index rates relatively low overall, lower than most of the US. The biggest hazards are inland flooding, hurricane, drought. No place is free of risk, so check the flood map and insurance for any home you consider.
What natural disasters happen in Suffolk?
By expected yearly losses in Suffolk City, the top hazards are inland flooding (Low), hurricane (Moderate), drought (High). Suffolk City has been part of 17 federal disaster or emergency declarations for natural events.
Does Suffolk get tornadoes?
Yes. NOAA records list 22 tornadoes in Suffolk City since 1950; the strongest was an EF3 tornado on April 28, 2008 near Lummis. FEMA rates tornado risk in the county low.
Do I need flood insurance in Suffolk?
Standard home insurance does not cover floods. In Suffolk City, about 2.5% of homes have federal flood insurance, and FEMA rates inland flooding risk low. Check the FEMA flood map for your address and get a quote even outside a high-risk zone.