National Weather ServiceCaliforniaWinter Storm WarningArchive to October 1, 2026
Winter Storm Warnings in California
The National Weather Service issued 65 winter storm warnings for California in 2025 and 66 a year on average in 2008-2025; in 2021-2025 it had the 1st most of any state. 2026 through September: 22, 50% below the average of 44 for those months in 2008-2025. West Slope Northern Sierra Nevada was covered most often (220 times since 2008).
How many winter storm warnings does California get?
Every winter storm warning that covered part of California. 2026 is an outline: the year is not over.
The numbers
| Year | Count |
|---|---|
| 2026 (through September) | 22 |
| 2025 | 65 |
| 2024 | 97 |
| 2023 | 80 |
| 2022 | 53 |
| 2021 | 71 |
| 2020 | 43 |
| 2019 | 102 |
| 2018 | 55 |
| 2017 | 75 |
| 2016 | 58 |
| 2015 | 39 |
| 2014 | 38 |
| 2013 | 23 |
| 2012 | 74 |
| 2011 | 63 |
| 2010 | 116 |
| 2009 | 53 |
| 2008 | 74 |
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 California 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 California?
| County or forecast zone | Since 2008 | Since 2023 | Last issued |
|---|---|---|---|
| West Slope Northern Sierra Nevada | 220 | 41 | April 11, 2026 |
| Western Plumas County/Lassen Park | 210 | 42 | April 11, 2026 |
| South Central Siskiyou County | 173 | 34 | February 22, 2026 |
| North Central and Southeast Siskiyou County | 161 | 33 | February 22, 2026 |
| Western Siskiyou County | 140 | 35 | February 22, 2026 |
| Greater Lake Tahoe Area | 136 | 30 | April 11, 2026 |
| Sierra Nevada from Yosemite to Kings Canyon | 122 | 0 | March 27, 2019 |
| Mono | 116 | 29 | April 11, 2026 |
| San Bernardino County Mountains | 110 | 21 | February 16, 2026 |
| Eastern Sierra Slopes of Inyo County | 98 | 24 | February 16, 2026 |
| Shasta Lake Area / Northern Shasta County | 98 | 21 | February 16, 2026 |
| Lassen-Eastern Plumas-Eastern Sierra Counties | 93 | 20 | February 16, 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.
The latest winter storm warnings for California in AreaZine's record
NWS HanfordWarningApril 20, 2026
Winter Storm Warning: Yosemite NP outside of the valley, Upper San Joaquin River, Kaiser to Rodgers Ridge and 2 more, CA
Expired 5:00 p.m. PDT, April 22, 2026
NWS SacramentoWarningApril 20, 2026
Winter Storm Warning: Lassen Volcanic National Park, Sierra Nevada of Tehama-Butte-Plumas Counties Above 3000 ft, Sierra Nevada of Sierra-Nevada-Placer Counties Above 5000 ft Including Interstate 80 a
Expired 5:00 p.m. PDT, April 22, 2026
NWS RenoWarningApril 10, 2026
Winter Storm Warning: Greater Lake Tahoe Area and Greater Lake Tahoe Area, CA and NV
Expired 11:00 p.m. PDT, April 12, 2026
NWS HanfordWarningApril 9, 2026
Winter Storm Warning: Yosemite NP outside of the valley, Upper San Joaquin River, Kaiser to Rodgers Ridge and 3 more, CA
Expired 11:00 p.m. PDT, April 12, 2026
NWS SacramentoWarningApril 9, 2026
Winter Storm Warning: Western Plumas County/Lassen Park and West Slope Northern Sierra Nevada, CA
Expired 11:00 p.m. PDT, April 12, 2026
This list is AreaZine's record of the NWS alert feed, kept since April 6, 2026; the counts above come from the complete IEM archive.
Source: National Weather Service alerts (api.weather.gov).
What is a winter storm warning?
A winter storm warning means significant snow, sleet or freezing rain is expected that will make travel very difficult or impossible. Each office sets the amounts for its area. A warning means the hazard is happening, about to happen, or very likely: act now to protect people and property. The national record · Every warning type in California.