National Weather ServiceMississippiTornado WatchArchive to October 1, 2026
Tornado Watches in Mississippi
The National Weather Service issued 34 tornado watches for Mississippi in 2025 and 34 a year on average in 2008-2025; in 2021-2025 it had the 3rd most of any state. 2026 through September: 15, 45% below the average of 27 for those months in 2008-2025. Lawrence was covered most often (219 times since 2008).
How many tornado watches does Mississippi get?
Every tornado watch that covered part of Mississippi. 2026 is an outline: the year is not over.
The numbers
| Year | Count |
|---|---|
| 2026 (through September) | 15 |
| 2025 | 34 |
| 2024 | 26 |
| 2023 | 38 |
| 2022 | 34 |
| 2021 | 30 |
| 2020 | 34 |
| 2019 | 29 |
| 2018 | 19 |
| 2017 | 26 |
| 2016 | 24 |
| 2015 | 20 |
| 2014 | 27 |
| 2013 | 28 |
| 2012 | 45 |
| 2011 | 59 |
| 2010 | 36 |
| 2009 | 48 |
| 2008 | 63 |
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 Mississippi 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 Mississippi?
| County or forecast zone | Since 2008 | Since 2023 | Last issued |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lawrence | 219 | 36 | May 7, 2026 |
| Lamar | 215 | 34 | June 18, 2026 |
| Simpson | 214 | 37 | May 6, 2026 |
| Lincoln | 213 | 34 | May 6, 2026 |
| Marion | 213 | 33 | June 18, 2026 |
| Jones | 212 | 35 | June 18, 2026 |
| Forrest | 211 | 34 | June 18, 2026 |
| Covington | 209 | 33 | May 7, 2026 |
| Smith | 209 | 35 | May 6, 2026 |
| Jefferson Davis | 208 | 34 | May 7, 2026 |
| Copiah | 207 | 37 | May 6, 2026 |
| Franklin | 207 | 35 | 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 Mississippi.