National Weather ServiceTexasTornado WatchArchive to October 1, 2026
Tornado Watches in Texas
The National Weather Service issued 50 tornado watches for Texas in 2025 and 42 a year on average in 2008-2025; in 2021-2025 it had the 1st most of any state. 2026 through September: 23, 35% below the average of 35 for those months in 2008-2025. Bowie was covered most often (166 times since 2008).
How many tornado watches does Texas get?
Every tornado watch that covered part of Texas. 2026 is an outline: the year is not over.
The numbers
| Year | Count |
|---|---|
| 2026 (through September) | 23 |
| 2025 | 50 |
| 2024 | 60 |
| 2023 | 39 |
| 2022 | 34 |
| 2021 | 36 |
| 2020 | 28 |
| 2019 | 39 |
| 2018 | 22 |
| 2017 | 38 |
| 2016 | 27 |
| 2015 | 79 |
| 2014 | 28 |
| 2013 | 23 |
| 2012 | 34 |
| 2011 | 38 |
| 2010 | 44 |
| 2009 | 58 |
| 2008 | 78 |
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 Texas 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 Texas?
| County or forecast zone | Since 2008 | Since 2023 | Last issued |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bowie | 166 | 30 | April 28, 2026 |
| Harrison | 165 | 36 | April 28, 2026 |
| Shelby | 160 | 38 | April 28, 2026 |
| Cass | 159 | 30 | April 28, 2026 |
| Marion | 158 | 32 | April 28, 2026 |
| Panola | 155 | 38 | April 28, 2026 |
| Rusk | 154 | 36 | April 28, 2026 |
| Sabine | 153 | 40 | May 6, 2026 |
| Morris | 150 | 27 | April 28, 2026 |
| Gregg | 149 | 30 | April 28, 2026 |
| Red River | 149 | 29 | April 28, 2026 |
| San Augustine | 149 | 36 | 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 Texas.