National Weather ServiceWest VirginiaTornado WatchArchive to October 1, 2026
Tornado Watches in West Virginia
The National Weather Service issued 7 tornado watches for West Virginia in 2025 and 6 a year on average in 2008-2025; in 2021-2025 it had the 23rd most of any state. 2026 through September: 6, 11% above the average of 5 for those months in 2008-2025. Jackson was covered most often (45 times since 2008).
How many tornado watches does West Virginia get?
Every tornado watch that covered part of West Virginia. 2026 is an outline: the year is not over.
The numbers
| Year | Count |
|---|---|
| 2026 (through September) | 6 |
| 2025 | 7 |
| 2024 | 8 |
| 2023 | 6 |
| 2022 | 7 |
| 2021 | 2 |
| 2020 | 3 |
| 2019 | 8 |
| 2018 | 1 |
| 2017 | 1 |
| 2016 | 1 |
| 2015 | 4 |
| 2014 | 7 |
| 2013 | 4 |
| 2012 | 6 |
| 2011 | 14 |
| 2010 | 8 |
| 2009 | 5 |
| 2008 | 13 |
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 West Virginia 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 West Virginia?
| County or forecast zone | Since 2008 | Since 2023 | Last issued |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jackson | 45 | 10 | June 18, 2026 |
| Mason | 45 | 11 | June 18, 2026 |
| Cabell | 43 | 11 | June 18, 2026 |
| Wirt | 42 | 10 | June 18, 2026 |
| Wood | 42 | 11 | June 18, 2026 |
| Roane | 40 | 9 | June 18, 2026 |
| Putnam | 39 | 10 | June 18, 2026 |
| Ritchie | 39 | 10 | June 18, 2026 |
| Wayne | 39 | 10 | June 18, 2026 |
| Lincoln | 38 | 11 | June 18, 2026 |
| Calhoun | 37 | 9 | June 18, 2026 |
| Pleasants | 37 | 10 | March 11, 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 West Virginia.