National Weather ServiceIce Storm WarningVTEC IS.WArchive to October 1, 2026
Ice Storm Warning: what it means and how often it is issued
The National Weather Service issued 38 ice storm warnings in 2025 and 25 a year on average in 2008-2025; Pennsylvania, Oregon and West Virginia got the most in 2021-2025. 2026 through September: 26, 51% above the average of 17 for those months in 2008-2025.
What is an ice storm warning?
An ice storm warning means freezing rain will build up enough ice to bring down trees and power lines and make travel dangerous. Each office sets the amount. A warning means the hazard is happening, about to happen, or very likely: act now to protect people and property.
Source: National Weather Service directives and glossary.
How many ice storm warnings a year?
National count: each ice storm warning counted once, whatever the number of states it covers. 2026 is an outline: the year is not over.
The numbers
| Year | Count |
|---|---|
| 2026 (through September) | 26 |
| 2025 | 38 |
| 2024 | 12 |
| 2023 | 35 |
| 2022 | 37 |
| 2021 | 27 |
| 2020 | 14 |
| 2019 | 36 |
| 2018 | 14 |
| 2017 | 28 |
| 2016 | 15 |
| 2015 | 18 |
| 2014 | 22 |
| 2013 | 50 |
| 2012 | 10 |
| 2011 | 9 |
| 2010 | 13 |
| 2009 | 35 |
| 2008 | 42 |
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 ice storm warnings?
Yearly average per state, 2021-2025. A ice storm warning covering two states counts in both.
| State | A year, 2021-2025 | A year, 2008-2025 | 2025 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pennsylvania | 3 | 2 | 7 |
| Oregon | 3 | 2 | 1 |
| West Virginia | 2 | 1 | 7 |
| Kentucky | 2 | 1 | 1 |
| Iowa | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| Washington | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| Michigan | 2 | 1 | 2 |
| Wisconsin | 2 | 1 | 3 |
| Arkansas | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| Missouri | 2 | 2 | 3 |
| Maryland | 2 | 1 | 3 |
| Virginia | 2 | 1 | 2 |
| Minnesota | 2 | 2 | 1 |
| South Dakota | 2 | 1 | 2 |
| New York | 1 | 1 | 5 |
| Mississippi | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Tennessee | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Illinois | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Texas | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| North Carolina | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Alaska | 1 | 1 | 3 |
| Ohio | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Oklahoma | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Nebraska | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| South Carolina | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Vermont | 1 | 0 | 3 |
| Indiana | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Montana | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| North Dakota | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| New Jersey | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Alabama | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Georgia | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| District of Columbia | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Kansas | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Massachusetts | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Louisiana | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Connecticut | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Maine | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| New Hampshire | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Idaho | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| New Mexico | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| California | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Colorado | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Delaware | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Nevada | 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.