National Weather ServiceVirginiaHigh Wind WatchArchive to October 1, 2026
High Wind Watches in Virginia
The National Weather Service issued 5 high wind watches for Virginia in 2025 and 6 a year on average in 2008-2025; in 2021-2025 it had the 25th most of any state. 2026 through September: 3, 23% below the average of 4 for those months in 2008-2025. Grayson was covered most often (34 times since 2008).
How many high wind watches does Virginia get?
Every high wind watch that covered part of Virginia. 2026 is an outline: the year is not over.
The numbers
| Year | Count |
|---|---|
| 2026 (through September) | 3 |
| 2025 | 5 |
| 2024 | 4 |
| 2023 | 5 |
| 2022 | 2 |
| 2021 | 4 |
| 2020 | 8 |
| 2019 | 7 |
| 2018 | 4 |
| 2017 | 4 |
| 2016 | 5 |
| 2015 | 5 |
| 2014 | 8 |
| 2013 | 5 |
| 2012 | 9 |
| 2011 | 7 |
| 2010 | 6 |
| 2009 | 9 |
| 2008 | 7 |
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 Virginia 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 Virginia?
| County or forecast zone | Since 2008 | Since 2023 | Last issued |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grayson | 34 | 5 | February 7, 2026 |
| Carroll | 26 | 4 | February 7, 2026 |
| Floyd | 24 | 4 | February 7, 2026 |
| Roanoke | 23 | 4 | February 7, 2026 |
| Western Highland | 23 | 6 | February 7, 2026 |
| Bath | 22 | 3 | February 7, 2026 |
| Eastern Highland | 20 | 5 | February 7, 2026 |
| Washington | 20 | 2 | September 27, 2024 |
| Alleghany | 19 | 3 | February 7, 2026 |
| Craig | 19 | 3 | February 7, 2026 |
| Wythe | 19 | 3 | February 7, 2026 |
| Augusta | 18 | 2 | February 16, 2025 |
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 watch?
A high wind watch means winds reaching high wind warning values are possible. A watch means the conditions for the hazard are possible or favourable, but it is not yet happening: be ready to act if a warning follows. The national record · Every warning type in Virginia.