National Weather ServiceWisconsinLake Effect Snow WarningArchive to October 1, 2026
Lake Effect Snow Warnings in Wisconsin
The National Weather Service issued 0 lake effect snow warnings for Wisconsin in 2025 and 3 a year on average in 2008-2025; in 2021-2025 it had the 5th most of any state. 2026 through September: 0, 100% below the average of 2 for those months in 2008-2025. Iron was covered most often (39 times since 2008).
How many lake effect snow warnings does Wisconsin get?
Every lake effect snow warning that covered part of Wisconsin. 2026 is an outline: the year is not over.
The numbers
| Year | Count |
|---|---|
| 2026 (through September) | 0 |
| 2025 | 0 |
| 2024 | 0 |
| 2023 | 0 |
| 2022 | 0 |
| 2021 | 0 |
| 2020 | 0 |
| 2019 | 0 |
| 2018 | 0 |
| 2017 | 2 |
| 2016 | 4 |
| 2015 | 0 |
| 2014 | 9 |
| 2013 | 9 |
| 2012 | 1 |
| 2011 | 8 |
| 2010 | 7 |
| 2009 | 6 |
| 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 Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin?
| County or forecast zone | Since 2008 | Since 2023 | Last issued |
|---|---|---|---|
| Iron | 39 | 0 | December 16, 2016 |
| Ashland | 29 | 0 | December 16, 2016 |
| Bayfield | 13 | 0 | December 16, 2016 |
| Douglas | 10 | 0 | March 13, 2017 |
| Racine | 5 | 0 | March 13, 2017 |
| Kenosha | 4 | 0 | March 13, 2017 |
| Milwaukee | 4 | 0 | March 13, 2017 |
| Manitowoc | 2 | 0 | January 23, 2016 |
| Ozaukee | 2 | 0 | March 13, 2017 |
| Vilas | 2 | 0 | November 17, 2014 |
| Kewaunee | 1 | 0 | February 1, 2011 |
| Washington | 1 | 0 | March 13, 2017 |
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 lake effect snow warning?
A lake effect snow warning means heavy snow in narrow bands downwind of the Great Lakes is expected, with rates and totals set by each office. 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 Wisconsin.