National Weather ServiceAlabamaTornado WatchArchive to October 1, 2026
Tornado Watches in Alabama
The National Weather Service issued 22 tornado watches for Alabama in 2025 and 31 a year on average in 2008-2025; in 2021-2025 it had the 4th most of any state. 2026 through September: 15, 38% below the average of 24 for those months in 2008-2025. Washington was covered most often (206 times since 2008).
How many tornado watches does Alabama get?
Every tornado watch that covered part of Alabama. 2026 is an outline: the year is not over.
The numbers
| Year | Count |
|---|---|
| 2026 (through September) | 15 |
| 2025 | 22 |
| 2024 | 24 |
| 2023 | 38 |
| 2022 | 39 |
| 2021 | 33 |
| 2020 | 35 |
| 2019 | 24 |
| 2018 | 16 |
| 2017 | 28 |
| 2016 | 25 |
| 2015 | 15 |
| 2014 | 24 |
| 2013 | 12 |
| 2012 | 40 |
| 2011 | 51 |
| 2010 | 28 |
| 2009 | 51 |
| 2008 | 48 |
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 Alabama 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 Alabama?
| County or forecast zone | Since 2008 | Since 2023 | Last issued |
|---|---|---|---|
| Washington | 206 | 35 | June 18, 2026 |
| Baldwin | 199 | 26 | June 18, 2026 |
| Clarke | 196 | 34 | June 18, 2026 |
| Mobile | 193 | 24 | June 18, 2026 |
| Monroe | 186 | 31 | June 18, 2026 |
| Conecuh | 183 | 30 | June 18, 2026 |
| Choctaw | 182 | 31 | June 18, 2026 |
| Escambia | 181 | 27 | June 18, 2026 |
| Sumter | 179 | 27 | June 18, 2026 |
| Greene | 177 | 25 | June 18, 2026 |
| Houston | 176 | 32 | June 18, 2026 |
| Wilcox | 174 | 31 | June 18, 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 tornado watch?
Tornado watches come from the NWS Storm Prediction Center when thunderstorms able to produce tornadoes are possible over a large area, usually for several hours; local offices list the counties it covers. 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 Alabama.