National Weather ServiceTennesseeTornado WatchArchive to October 1, 2026
Tornado Watches in Tennessee
The National Weather Service issued 33 tornado watches for Tennessee in 2025 and 22 a year on average in 2008-2025; in 2021-2025 it had the 10th most of any state. 2026 through September: 6, 68% below the average of 19 for those months in 2008-2025. Haywood was covered most often (146 times since 2008).
How many tornado watches does Tennessee get?
Every tornado watch that covered part of Tennessee. 2026 is an outline: the year is not over.
The numbers
| Year | Count |
|---|---|
| 2026 (through September) | 6 |
| 2025 | 33 |
| 2024 | 21 |
| 2023 | 30 |
| 2022 | 17 |
| 2021 | 20 |
| 2020 | 24 |
| 2019 | 12 |
| 2018 | 13 |
| 2017 | 11 |
| 2016 | 15 |
| 2015 | 9 |
| 2014 | 28 |
| 2013 | 16 |
| 2012 | 22 |
| 2011 | 44 |
| 2010 | 27 |
| 2009 | 30 |
| 2008 | 32 |
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 Tennessee 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 Tennessee?
| County or forecast zone | Since 2008 | Since 2023 | Last issued |
|---|---|---|---|
| Haywood | 146 | 34 | April 28, 2026 |
| Fayette | 144 | 34 | April 29, 2026 |
| Lauderdale | 143 | 31 | April 28, 2026 |
| Tipton | 142 | 33 | April 28, 2026 |
| Gibson | 141 | 32 | April 28, 2026 |
| McNairy | 141 | 35 | April 29, 2026 |
| Hardeman | 139 | 36 | April 29, 2026 |
| Crockett | 138 | 31 | April 28, 2026 |
| Shelby | 138 | 34 | April 29, 2026 |
| Hardin | 137 | 34 | April 29, 2026 |
| Madison | 136 | 32 | April 28, 2026 |
| Chester | 134 | 31 | April 28, 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 Tennessee.