Suffolk, VA — February 3, 2026 — Local News Update

EF-1 Tornado Confirmed in Suffolk

The National Weather Service has confirmed that an EF-1 tornado touched down in downtown Suffolk on Saturday evening. The tornado, measuring two miles long and 200 yards wide with winds between 85 to 90 mph, caused damage to 34 residential buildings and six businesses. Fortunately, no injuries were reported. The city is currently assessing the full extent of the damage and coordinating recovery efforts.

Tractor-Trailer Accident in Downtown Suffolk

On Wednesday, February 28, around 4:10 p.m., a tractor-trailer collided with a building in the 500 block of E. Washington Street. The building, which houses a laundromat on the ground floor and apartments above, was unoccupied at the time of the accident. No injuries were reported. Authorities are investigating the cause of the collision and have assured the public that safety measures are being reviewed to prevent future incidents.

Suffolk’s Rapid Population Growth

Recent data from the University of Virginia’s Weldon Cooper Center for Public Service indicates that Suffolk is the fifth fastest-growing locality in Virginia since 2020. The city’s population increased by 8.7% over four years, reaching 102,572 residents in 2024. Factors contributing to this growth include affordable housing, infrastructure investments, and the city’s strategic location within the Hampton Roads region. Local officials are focusing on sustainable development to accommodate the expanding population.

Sources

• EF-1 Tornado Confirmed in Hampton Roads, 40 Buildings Damaged
• Tractor-trailer hits building in Suffolk, no injuries reported
• Suffolk is Virginia’s fifth fastest growing locality since the pandemic