National Weather ServiceLouisianaTornado WatchArchive to October 1, 2026
Tornado Watches in Louisiana
The National Weather Service issued 35 tornado watches for Louisiana in 2025 and 32 a year on average in 2008-2025; in 2021-2025 it had the 5th most of any state. 2026 through September: 19, 22% below the average of 24 for those months in 2008-2025. Washington was covered most often (199 times since 2008).
How many tornado watches does Louisiana get?
Every tornado watch that covered part of Louisiana. 2026 is an outline: the year is not over.
The numbers
| Year | Count |
|---|---|
| 2026 (through September) | 19 |
| 2025 | 35 |
| 2024 | 32 |
| 2023 | 33 |
| 2022 | 33 |
| 2021 | 21 |
| 2020 | 29 |
| 2019 | 28 |
| 2018 | 20 |
| 2017 | 33 |
| 2016 | 24 |
| 2015 | 32 |
| 2014 | 28 |
| 2013 | 21 |
| 2012 | 34 |
| 2011 | 47 |
| 2010 | 25 |
| 2009 | 37 |
| 2008 | 59 |
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 Louisiana 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 Louisiana?
| County or forecast zone | Since 2008 | Since 2023 | Last issued |
|---|---|---|---|
| Washington | 199 | 31 | June 18, 2026 |
| Tangipahoa | 198 | 31 | June 18, 2026 |
| Tensas | 198 | 38 | May 6, 2026 |
| Madison | 197 | 37 | May 6, 2026 |
| Concordia | 196 | 36 | May 6, 2026 |
| St. Tammany | 193 | 27 | June 18, 2026 |
| East Feliciana | 191 | 31 | June 18, 2026 |
| St. Helena | 190 | 30 | June 18, 2026 |
| Franklin | 189 | 36 | May 6, 2026 |
| Livingston | 189 | 27 | June 18, 2026 |
| Grant | 188 | 39 | May 6, 2026 |
| La Salle | 187 | 37 | May 6, 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 Louisiana.