National Weather ServiceTennesseeSevere Thunderstorm WatchArchive to October 1, 2026
Severe Thunderstorm Watches in Tennessee
The National Weather Service issued 22 severe thunderstorm watches for Tennessee in 2025 and 23 a year on average in 2008-2025; in 2021-2025 it had the 26th most of any state. 2026 through September: 24, 12% above the average of 22 for those months in 2008-2025. Shelby was covered most often (139 times since 2008).
How many severe thunderstorm watches does Tennessee get?
Every severe thunderstorm watch that covered part of Tennessee. 2026 is an outline: the year is not over.
The numbers
| Year | Count |
|---|---|
| 2026 (through September) | 24 |
| 2025 | 22 |
| 2024 | 12 |
| 2023 | 42 |
| 2022 | 13 |
| 2021 | 13 |
| 2020 | 12 |
| 2019 | 14 |
| 2018 | 16 |
| 2017 | 24 |
| 2016 | 16 |
| 2015 | 20 |
| 2014 | 19 |
| 2013 | 15 |
| 2012 | 34 |
| 2011 | 40 |
| 2010 | 27 |
| 2009 | 43 |
| 2008 | 23 |
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 Tennessee 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 Tennessee?
| County or forecast zone | Since 2008 | Since 2023 | Last issued |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shelby | 139 | 24 | August 22, 2026 |
| Fayette | 138 | 23 | August 22, 2026 |
| Dyer | 137 | 23 | August 22, 2026 |
| McNairy | 136 | 30 | August 22, 2026 |
| Lauderdale | 135 | 21 | August 22, 2026 |
| Crockett | 134 | 20 | August 22, 2026 |
| Gibson | 134 | 24 | August 20, 2026 |
| Madison | 134 | 24 | August 22, 2026 |
| Obion | 134 | 22 | August 20, 2026 |
| Tipton | 134 | 21 | August 22, 2026 |
| Hardeman | 133 | 24 | August 22, 2026 |
| Carroll | 131 | 26 | August 20, 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 Tennessee.