National Weather ServiceNorth CarolinaHigh Wind WarningArchive to October 1, 2026
High Wind Warnings in North Carolina
The National Weather Service issued 11 high wind warnings for North Carolina in 2025 and 12 a year on average in 2008-2025; in 2021-2025 it had the 20th most of any state. 2026 through September: 4, 51% below the average of 8 for those months in 2008-2025. Watauga was covered most often (79 times since 2008).
How many high wind warnings does North Carolina get?
Every high wind warning that covered part of North Carolina. 2026 is an outline: the year is not over.
The numbers
| Year | Count |
|---|---|
| 2026 (through September) | 4 |
| 2025 | 11 |
| 2024 | 14 |
| 2023 | 10 |
| 2022 | 9 |
| 2021 | 3 |
| 2020 | 13 |
| 2019 | 21 |
| 2018 | 12 |
| 2017 | 10 |
| 2016 | 13 |
| 2015 | 5 |
| 2014 | 9 |
| 2013 | 13 |
| 2012 | 12 |
| 2011 | 10 |
| 2010 | 15 |
| 2009 | 16 |
| 2008 | 23 |
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 does North Carolina get them?
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.
Where in North Carolina?
| County or forecast zone | Since 2008 | Since 2023 | Last issued |
|---|---|---|---|
| Watauga | 79 | 14 | February 7, 2026 |
| Ashe | 78 | 14 | February 7, 2026 |
| Alleghany | 65 | 14 | February 7, 2026 |
| Avery | 50 | 11 | February 7, 2026 |
| Yancey | 49 | 10 | February 7, 2026 |
| Mitchell | 48 | 9 | February 7, 2026 |
| Burke Mountains | 40 | 6 | February 7, 2026 |
| Caldwell Mountains | 40 | 6 | February 7, 2026 |
| McDowell Mountains | 40 | 5 | February 7, 2026 |
| Buncombe | 32 | 4 | February 7, 2026 |
| Henderson | 27 | 1 | February 7, 2026 |
| Southern Jackson | 26 | 4 | February 7, 2026 |
The NWS issues these products for counties or forecast zones; a zone can be part of a county or a mountain range.
Source: Iowa Environmental Mesonet archive of National Weather Service watches, warnings and advisories (VTEC); National Weather Service. Data as of October 1, 2026.
What is a high wind warning?
A high wind warning means sustained winds of 40 mph or more for an hour or longer, or gusts of 58 mph or more, in most offices; some mountain and coastal offices use higher values. A warning means the hazard is happening, about to happen, or very likely: act now to protect people and property. The national record · Every warning type in North Carolina.