National Weather ServiceWest VirginiaRed Flag WarningArchive to October 1, 2026
Red Flag Warnings in West Virginia
The National Weather Service issued 5 red flag warnings for West Virginia in 2025 and 4 a year on average in 2008-2025; in 2021-2025 it had the 39th most of any state. 2026 through September: 1, 68% below the average of 3 for those months in 2008-2025. Jefferson was covered most often (28 times since 2008).
How many red flag warnings does West Virginia get?
Every red flag warning that covered part of West Virginia. 2026 is an outline: the year is not over.
The numbers
| Year | Count |
|---|---|
| 2026 (through September) | 1 |
| 2025 | 5 |
| 2024 | 6 |
| 2023 | 4 |
| 2022 | 3 |
| 2021 | 2 |
| 2020 | 0 |
| 2019 | 1 |
| 2018 | 7 |
| 2017 | 0 |
| 2016 | 4 |
| 2015 | 2 |
| 2014 | 2 |
| 2013 | 3 |
| 2012 | 8 |
| 2011 | 2 |
| 2010 | 13 |
| 2009 | 1 |
| 2008 | 4 |
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 West 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 West Virginia?
| County or forecast zone | Since 2008 | Since 2023 | Last issued |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jefferson | 28 | 8 | April 16, 2026 |
| Berkeley | 27 | 8 | April 16, 2026 |
| Eastern Mineral | 25 | 9 | April 16, 2026 |
| Hampshire | 25 | 9 | April 16, 2026 |
| Morgan | 24 | 8 | April 16, 2026 |
| Eastern Grant | 23 | 7 | April 16, 2026 |
| Hardy | 23 | 7 | April 16, 2026 |
| Eastern Pendleton | 16 | 7 | April 16, 2026 |
| Logan | 14 | 2 | March 19, 2025 |
| McDowell | 14 | 2 | March 19, 2025 |
| Mingo | 14 | 2 | March 19, 2025 |
| Wyoming | 14 | 2 | March 19, 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.
The latest red flag warnings for West Virginia in AreaZine's record
NWS Baltimore MD/WashingtonWarningApril 16, 2026
Red Flag Warning: Augusta, Rockingham, Shenandoah and 15 more, VA and WV
Expired 7:00 p.m. EDT, April 16, 2026
This list is AreaZine's record of the NWS alert feed, kept since April 6, 2026; the counts above come from the complete IEM archive.
Source: National Weather Service alerts (api.weather.gov).
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 West Virginia.