National Weather ServiceNorth CarolinaTornado WarningArchive to October 1, 2026
Tornado Warnings in North Carolina
The National Weather Service issued 37 tornado warnings for North Carolina in 2025 and 103 a year on average in 2008-2025; in 2021-2025 it had the 15th most of any state. 2026 through September: 36, 60% below the average of 91 for those months in 2008-2025. Beaufort was covered most often (92 times since 2008).
How many tornado warnings does North Carolina get?
Every tornado warning that covered part of North Carolina. 2026 is an outline: the year is not over.
The numbers
| Year | Count |
|---|---|
| 2026 (through September) | 36 |
| 2025 | 37 |
| 2024 | 181 |
| 2023 | 51 |
| 2022 | 110 |
| 2021 | 100 |
| 2020 | 141 |
| 2019 | 158 |
| 2018 | 104 |
| 2017 | 85 |
| 2016 | 62 |
| 2015 | 26 |
| 2014 | 83 |
| 2013 | 37 |
| 2012 | 60 |
| 2011 | 224 |
| 2010 | 111 |
| 2009 | 86 |
| 2008 | 193 |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beaufort | 92 | 18 | July 29, 2026 |
| Craven | 89 | 14 | March 12, 2026 |
| Brunswick | 87 | 25 | March 12, 2026 |
| Columbus | 85 | 12 | March 12, 2026 |
| Onslow | 74 | 12 | March 12, 2026 |
| Jones | 73 | 11 | March 12, 2026 |
| Sampson | 73 | 7 | September 30, 2024 |
| Pitt | 70 | 17 | May 15, 2025 |
| Bladen | 69 | 8 | May 30, 2025 |
| Pender | 62 | 11 | August 21, 2026 |
| Johnston | 61 | 10 | September 30, 2024 |
| Nash | 61 | 17 | July 6, 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 tornado warnings for North Carolina in AreaZine's record
NWS RaleighWarningJuly 28, 2026
Tornado Warning: Durham and Orange, NC
Expired 9:00 p.m. EDT, July 28, 2026
NWS MorristownWarningJuly 28, 2026
Tornado Warning: Clay, NC
Expired 8:45 p.m. EDT, July 28, 2026
NWS Greenville-SpartanburgWarningJuly 28, 2026
Tornado Warning: Rabun and Macon, GA and NC
Expired 8:45 p.m. EDT, July 28, 2026
NWS RaleighWarningJuly 28, 2026
Tornado Warning: Alamance and Orange, NC
Expired 7:45 p.m. EDT, July 28, 2026
NWS Greenville-SpartanburgWarningJuly 28, 2026
Tornado Warning: Alexander, Catawba, Iredell and 1 more, NC
Expired 7:00 p.m. EDT, July 28, 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 tornado warning?
The NWS issues a tornado warning when a tornado has been seen or weather radar indicates one in the warned area. Warnings are drawn as polygons around the storm's path and usually last 30 to 60 minutes. 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.