National Weather ServiceOhioSevere Thunderstorm WatchArchive to October 1, 2026
Severe Thunderstorm Watches in Ohio
The National Weather Service issued 24 severe thunderstorm watches for Ohio in 2025 and 28 a year on average in 2008-2025; in 2021-2025 it had the 17th most of any state. 2026 through September: 58, 114% above the average of 27 for those months in 2008-2025. Harrison was covered most often (171 times since 2008).
How many severe thunderstorm watches does Ohio get?
Every severe thunderstorm watch that covered part of Ohio. 2026 is an outline: the year is not over.
The numbers
| Year | Count |
|---|---|
| 2026 (through September) | 58 |
| 2025 | 24 |
| 2024 | 25 |
| 2023 | 23 |
| 2022 | 28 |
| 2021 | 20 |
| 2020 | 21 |
| 2019 | 26 |
| 2018 | 14 |
| 2017 | 26 |
| 2016 | 18 |
| 2015 | 28 |
| 2014 | 22 |
| 2013 | 26 |
| 2012 | 40 |
| 2011 | 57 |
| 2010 | 46 |
| 2009 | 25 |
| 2008 | 32 |
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 Ohio 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 Ohio?
| County or forecast zone | Since 2008 | Since 2023 | Last issued |
|---|---|---|---|
| Harrison | 171 | 38 | September 9, 2026 |
| Belmont | 170 | 39 | September 3, 2026 |
| Carroll | 170 | 39 | September 9, 2026 |
| Jefferson | 170 | 38 | September 9, 2026 |
| Columbiana | 167 | 40 | September 9, 2026 |
| Guernsey | 166 | 38 | September 9, 2026 |
| Tuscarawas | 164 | 36 | September 9, 2026 |
| Noble | 157 | 38 | September 4, 2026 |
| Stark | 157 | 39 | September 9, 2026 |
| Monroe | 156 | 38 | September 4, 2026 |
| Knox | 155 | 36 | September 9, 2026 |
| Clark | 153 | 27 | August 11, 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 Ohio.