Suffolk City, Virginia Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · VA
LowComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 60th
Suffolk City faces low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 60.1, 60th national percentile), driven primarily by drought and winter weather exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $25M.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025
Risk Overview
Overall natural disaster risk in Suffolk City is low, with a National Risk Index score of 60.1 out of 100 — placing it in the 60th national percentile and below the national average for natural-disaster risk. The score blends Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across all 18 FEMA hazard types.
Risk here concentrates in drought (extended dry periods that stress water supplies and agriculture) at High risk — $2M in expected annual loss and about 1.99 events per year; winter weather (heavy snow, blizzards, and hazardous winter conditions) at High risk — $523K in expected annual loss and about 3.68 events per year; and hurricane (tropical cyclones bringing extreme wind, rain, and storm surge) at Medium risk — $7M in expected annual loss and about 0.25 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $25M in expected annual loss for a population of 94K.
Beyond physical exposure, Suffolk City has a very low social vulnerability rating (how susceptible the population is to harm) and a very high community resilience rating (its capacity to prepare for and recover from disasters). A less vulnerable population paired with strong resilience helps the community absorb and recover from events.
The county's disaster history tells the same story: Suffolk City has received 19 federal disaster declarations since 1972, including 11 for hurricane events and 2 for biological events. The most recent was Severe Winter Storm (winter storm), declared in January 2026.
Among 133 Virginia counties, Suffolk City ranks #23 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Drought | High | 1.99 / yr | $2M |
| Winter Weather | High | 3.68 / yr | $523K |
| Hurricane | Medium | 0.25 / yr | $7M |
| Heat Wave | Low | 6.79 / yr | $1M |
| Lightning | Medium | 45.54 / yr | $446K |
| Coastal Flood | Medium | 3.66 / yr | $707K |
| Strong Wind | Medium | 0.66 / yr | $897K |
| Ice Storm | Medium | 0.90 / yr | $162K |
| Tornado | Low | 0.24 / yr | $2M |
| Wildfire | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $78K |
| Earthquake | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $404K |
| Riverine Flood | Low | 0.79 / yr | $9M |
| Hail | Low | 2.02 / yr | $291K |
| Cold Wave | Low | 0.47 / yr | $903K |
| Landslide | Very Low | 0.08 / yr | $661 |
| Avalanche | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Tsunami | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Volcanic Activity | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
Disaster History
Suffolk City has received 19 federal disaster declarations since 1972, most recently Severe Winter Storm in January 2026. Most frequent causes: Hurricane (11), Biological (2), Snowstorm (2).
| Declared | Type | Disaster |
|---|---|---|
| January 2026 | Winter Storm | Severe Winter Storm |
| April 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 Pandemic |
| March 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 |
| September 2018 | Hurricane | Hurricane Florence |
| November 2016 | Hurricane | Hurricane Matthew |
| October 2012 | Hurricane | Hurricane Sandy |
| September 2011 | Hurricane | Hurricane Irene |
| August 2011 | Hurricane | Hurricane Irene |
| September 2005 | Hurricane | Hurricane Katrina Evacuation |
| September 2003 | Hurricane | Hurricane Isabel |
Showing the 10 most recent of 19 declarations.
Source: FEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries (OpenFEMA).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the overall natural disaster risk for Suffolk City?
Suffolk City has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 60.1 out of 100, placing it in the Low category and the 60th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.
What are the top natural hazards in Suffolk City?
The three highest-rated hazards are Drought (High, $2M EAL), Winter Weather (High, $523K EAL), Hurricane (Medium, $7M EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Suffolk City compare to other Virginia counties?
Suffolk City ranks #23 of 133 Virginia counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a low rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Suffolk City had?
FEMA records 19 federal disaster declarations for Suffolk City since 1972, most often 11 for hurricane events and 2 for biological events. The most recent was Severe Winter Storm, declared in January 2026.
What does Expected Annual Loss (EAL) mean?
EAL is FEMA's estimate of average annual dollar losses from natural hazards, calculated from historical event data and exposure models. Suffolk City's $25M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.