National Weather ServiceNorth CarolinaRed Flag WarningArchive to October 1, 2026
Red Flag Warnings in North Carolina
The National Weather Service issued 24 red flag warnings for North Carolina in 2025 and 9 a year on average in 2008-2025; in 2021-2025 it had the 26th most of any state. 2026 through September: 1, 87% below the average of 8 for those months in 2008-2025. Alamance was covered most often (29 times since 2008).
How many red flag warnings does North Carolina get?
Every red flag warning that covered part of North Carolina. 2026 is an outline: the year is not over.
The numbers
| Year | Count |
|---|---|
| 2026 (through September) | 1 |
| 2025 | 24 |
| 2024 | 3 |
| 2023 | 2 |
| 2022 | 12 |
| 2021 | 10 |
| 2020 | 6 |
| 2019 | 0 |
| 2018 | 3 |
| 2017 | 0 |
| 2016 | 7 |
| 2015 | 4 |
| 2014 | 11 |
| 2013 | 0 |
| 2012 | 13 |
| 2011 | 15 |
| 2010 | 4 |
| 2009 | 10 |
| 2008 | 33 |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alamance | 29 | 5 | December 29, 2025 |
| Forsyth | 29 | 5 | December 29, 2025 |
| Granville | 29 | 5 | December 29, 2025 |
| Guilford | 29 | 5 | December 29, 2025 |
| Orange | 29 | 5 | December 29, 2025 |
| Person | 29 | 5 | December 29, 2025 |
| Catawba | 28 | 4 | March 28, 2026 |
| Durham | 28 | 5 | December 29, 2025 |
| Chatham | 27 | 3 | December 29, 2025 |
| Davidson | 27 | 3 | December 29, 2025 |
| Iredell | 27 | 3 | March 28, 2026 |
| Randolph | 27 | 3 | December 29, 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 red flag warning?
A red flag warning means critical fire weather is happening or about to happen: strong wind, very low humidity and dry fuels together, so a fire that starts can spread fast. Each office sets the criteria with its land-management partners. 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.