National Weather ServiceFloridaSevere Thunderstorm WatchArchive to October 1, 2026
Severe Thunderstorm Watches in Florida
The National Weather Service issued 7 severe thunderstorm watches for Florida in 2025 and 10 a year on average in 2008-2025; in 2021-2025 it had the 35th most of any state. 2026 through September: 5, 45% below the average of 9 for those months in 2008-2025. Jackson was covered most often (70 times since 2008).
How many severe thunderstorm watches does Florida get?
Every severe thunderstorm watch that covered part of Florida. 2026 is an outline: the year is not over.
The numbers
| Year | Count |
|---|---|
| 2026 (through September) | 5 |
| 2025 | 7 |
| 2024 | 10 |
| 2023 | 27 |
| 2022 | 9 |
| 2021 | 7 |
| 2020 | 4 |
| 2019 | 6 |
| 2018 | 9 |
| 2017 | 6 |
| 2016 | 11 |
| 2015 | 6 |
| 2014 | 11 |
| 2013 | 7 |
| 2012 | 10 |
| 2011 | 10 |
| 2010 | 4 |
| 2009 | 13 |
| 2008 | 14 |
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 Florida 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 Florida?
| County or forecast zone | Since 2008 | Since 2023 | Last issued |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jackson | 70 | 20 | July 12, 2026 |
| Holmes | 64 | 19 | June 1, 2026 |
| Santa Rosa | 58 | 21 | August 24, 2026 |
| Walton | 58 | 17 | March 31, 2025 |
| Washington | 58 | 17 | March 31, 2025 |
| Escambia | 56 | 21 | August 24, 2026 |
| Gadsden | 55 | 14 | July 29, 2026 |
| Okaloosa | 55 | 17 | August 24, 2026 |
| Calhoun | 53 | 12 | March 31, 2025 |
| Leon | 53 | 14 | July 29, 2026 |
| Madison | 53 | 12 | July 29, 2026 |
| Jefferson | 52 | 13 | July 29, 2026 |
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 severe thunderstorm watch?
Severe thunderstorm watches come from the NWS Storm Prediction Center when storms with large hail or damaging winds are possible over a large area for several hours. 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 Florida.