National Weather ServiceFreezing Rain AdvisoryVTEC ZR.YArchive to October 1, 2026
Freezing Rain Advisory: what it means and how often it is issued
The National Weather Service issued 1,742 freezing rain advisories from 2008 to 2017, 174 a year on average, and has not issued the product since 2017; Alaska, Pennsylvania and New York had the most.
What is a freezing rain advisory?
A freezing rain advisory covered light freezing rain that glazes roads and walkways, below ice storm warning amounts. Since October 2017 the NWS issues a winter weather advisory for it. An advisory is issued for a hazard less serious than a warning that can still cause inconvenience or danger if people are not careful.
Source: National Weather Service directives and glossary.
How many freezing rain advisories a year?
National count: each freezing rain advisory counted once, whatever the number of states it covers. 2026 is an outline: the year is not over.
The numbers
| Year | Count |
|---|---|
| 2017 | 125 |
| 2016 | 157 |
| 2015 | 221 |
| 2014 | 265 |
| 2013 | 233 |
| 2012 | 101 |
| 2011 | 118 |
| 2010 | 148 |
| 2009 | 177 |
| 2008 | 197 |
Source: Iowa Environmental Mesonet archive of National Weather Service watches, warnings and advisories (VTEC); National Weather Service. Data as of October 1, 2026.
When in the year?
Sum of 2008-2025; the busiest month is labelled.
Source: Iowa Environmental Mesonet archive of National Weather Service watches, warnings and advisories (VTEC); National Weather Service. Data as of October 1, 2026.
Which states get the most freezing rain advisories?
Yearly average per state, 2021-2025. A freezing rain advisory covering two states counts in both.
| State | A year, 2021-2025 | A year, 2008-2025 | 2025 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alaska | 0 | 15 | 0 |
| Pennsylvania | 0 | 8 | 0 |
| New York | 0 | 7 | 0 |
| West Virginia | 0 | 7 | 0 |
| Minnesota | 0 | 6 | 0 |
| Montana | 0 | 6 | 0 |
| Washington | 0 | 6 | 0 |
| Ohio | 0 | 5 | 0 |
| Oregon | 0 | 5 | 0 |
| Wisconsin | 0 | 5 | 0 |
| Virginia | 0 | 4 | 0 |
| North Dakota | 0 | 4 | 0 |
| Maryland | 0 | 4 | 0 |
| North Carolina | 0 | 4 | 0 |
| Illinois | 0 | 4 | 0 |
| Iowa | 0 | 3 | 0 |
| Indiana | 0 | 3 | 0 |
| Michigan | 0 | 3 | 0 |
| Maine | 0 | 3 | 0 |
| Connecticut | 0 | 3 | 0 |
| New Jersey | 0 | 3 | 0 |
| Texas | 0 | 3 | 0 |
| Massachusetts | 0 | 3 | 0 |
| Missouri | 0 | 3 | 0 |
| Kentucky | 0 | 3 | 0 |
| New Hampshire | 0 | 2 | 0 |
| Nebraska | 0 | 2 | 0 |
| South Dakota | 0 | 2 | 0 |
| Vermont | 0 | 2 | 0 |
| Arkansas | 0 | 2 | 0 |
| Kansas | 0 | 2 | 0 |
| Idaho | 0 | 2 | 0 |
| South Carolina | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Tennessee | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Mississippi | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Oklahoma | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Alabama | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Georgia | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Louisiana | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Colorado | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Wyoming | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Delaware | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| District of Columbia | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Nevada | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Rhode Island | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| California | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| New Mexico | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Utah | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Arizona | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Florida | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Source: Iowa Environmental Mesonet archive of National Weather Service watches, warnings and advisories (VTEC); National Weather Service. Data as of October 1, 2026.