National Weather ServiceNebraskaTornado WatchArchive to October 1, 2026
Tornado Watches in Nebraska
The National Weather Service issued 10 tornado watches for Nebraska in 2025 and 17 a year on average in 2008-2025; in 2021-2025 it had the 17th most of any state. 2026 through September: 16, in line with the average of 16 for those months in 2008-2025. Gage was covered most often (94 times since 2008).
How many tornado watches does Nebraska get?
Every tornado watch that covered part of Nebraska. 2026 is an outline: the year is not over.
The numbers
| Year | Count |
|---|---|
| 2026 (through September) | 16 |
| 2025 | 10 |
| 2024 | 15 |
| 2023 | 12 |
| 2022 | 9 |
| 2021 | 9 |
| 2020 | 3 |
| 2019 | 13 |
| 2018 | 11 |
| 2017 | 9 |
| 2016 | 12 |
| 2015 | 25 |
| 2014 | 21 |
| 2013 | 16 |
| 2012 | 11 |
| 2011 | 28 |
| 2010 | 39 |
| 2009 | 21 |
| 2008 | 34 |
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 Nebraska 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 Nebraska?
| County or forecast zone | Since 2008 | Since 2023 | Last issued |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gage | 94 | 16 | September 14, 2026 |
| Nemaha | 92 | 15 | September 14, 2026 |
| Pawnee | 90 | 16 | September 14, 2026 |
| Jefferson | 89 | 13 | September 14, 2026 |
| Johnson | 89 | 15 | September 14, 2026 |
| Richardson | 89 | 16 | June 10, 2026 |
| Otoe | 88 | 15 | September 14, 2026 |
| Lancaster | 82 | 14 | September 14, 2026 |
| Saline | 82 | 12 | September 14, 2026 |
| Cass | 80 | 14 | September 14, 2026 |
| Sarpy | 74 | 14 | September 14, 2026 |
| Saunders | 74 | 15 | September 14, 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 Nebraska.