Suffolk city Disaster Risk
Suffolk city, Virginia
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
60th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#23
of 133 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
61th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 61% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 56% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 56% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 54% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Moderate
Higher than 88% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Suffolk city, Virginia
Suffolk faces substantial national risk
Suffolk city scores 60.11 with a Relatively Low rating, running nearly 27 points above Virginia's state average of 33.27. The elevation reflects multiple concurrent hazards: hurricanes, tornadoes, flooding, and significant wildfire exposure.
Among Virginia's highest-risk jurisdictions
Suffolk city ranks in Virginia's top tier of disaster risk at 60.11, placing it among the Commonwealth's most exposed municipalities. The coastal-adjacent, low-lying geography concentrates multiple weather-driven vulnerabilities.
Riskiest in southeastern Virginia
Suffolk city's 60.11 score significantly exceeds Southampton County (29.80), the region's safest county, highlighting how urban concentration and geography amplify risk. Suffolk's tornado risk (55.73) and wildfire exposure (55.60) dwarf rural Southampton's equivalent scores.
Hurricanes, tornadoes, and flooding converge
Hurricane risk at 88.19 dominates Suffolk's hazard landscape—among Virginia's highest—followed closely by tornado risk (55.73) and flood risk (61.00). Wildfire exposure at 55.60 adds a fourth significant concern, while earthquake risk remains moderate at 53.98.
Comprehensive coverage is essential
Suffolk homeowners must ensure wind and hail protection given the exceptional 88.19 hurricane risk score; this is the city's primary insurance priority. Flood insurance is equally critical at 61.00 flood risk—verify coverage before hurricane season, particularly for properties in low-lying areas.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Suffolk city
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Suffolk city
Risk Verdict
Suffolk city has a below-average natural disaster risk profile, scoring at the 60th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Households in Suffolk city benefit from knowing which individual hazard types — flood, wildfire, tornado, or hurricane — are the primary contributors.
Hazard Breakdown
Hurricane risk is Suffolk city's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 88th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Flood ranks second at the 61th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include tornado (56th percentile), wildfire (56th percentile), earthquake (54th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Hurricane risk is Suffolk city's top-ranked natural hazard at the 88th percentile nationally. The most time-sensitive preparedness step is knowing the county's evacuation zone for your address — zone maps are published by the county emergency management office. Alongside hurricane exposure, flood at the 61th percentile nationally means Suffolk city households should plan for multiple hazard scenarios within a single storm event. Suffolk city's county emergency management office publishes official evacuation zone maps with zone-specific shelter locations; downloading this map and identifying your zone assignment is the single highest-value pre-season step.
Regional Context
Suffolk city's composite risk score sits 26.8 points above the Virginia county average, placing it among the more hazard-exposed counties in the state.
Is your household prepared for Suffolk city's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Suffolk city, VA?
What types of natural hazards affect Suffolk city?
How does Suffolk city risk compare to the Virginia average?
Is Suffolk city at risk for hurricane?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Suffolk city higher risk than average?
Data Source
Risk data sourced from the FEMA National Risk Index (NRI). Risk scores are relative rankings (0–100) across all US counties — not absolute risk measures. Higher scores indicate higher relative risk compared to other counties.
Disclaimer: This data is informational only. It is not financial, insurance, or legal advice. Always consult a qualified professional before making insurance or real estate decisions.