National Weather ServiceIllinoisWinter Storm WarningArchive to October 1, 2026
Winter Storm Warnings in Illinois
The National Weather Service issued 18 winter storm warnings for Illinois in 2025 and 16 a year on average in 2008-2025; in 2021-2025 it had the 25th most of any state. 2026 through September: 6, 52% below the average of 13 for those months in 2008-2025. Jo Daviess was covered most often (57 times since 2008).
How many winter storm warnings does Illinois get?
Every winter storm warning that covered part of Illinois. 2026 is an outline: the year is not over.
The numbers
| Year | Count |
|---|---|
| 2026 (through September) | 6 |
| 2025 | 18 |
| 2024 | 10 |
| 2023 | 12 |
| 2022 | 19 |
| 2021 | 12 |
| 2020 | 10 |
| 2019 | 20 |
| 2018 | 17 |
| 2017 | 2 |
| 2016 | 12 |
| 2015 | 23 |
| 2014 | 26 |
| 2013 | 24 |
| 2012 | 13 |
| 2011 | 12 |
| 2010 | 17 |
| 2009 | 15 |
| 2008 | 31 |
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 Illinois 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 Illinois?
| County or forecast zone | Since 2008 | Since 2023 | Last issued |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jo Daviess | 57 | 10 | November 29, 2025 |
| Carroll | 55 | 10 | December 7, 2025 |
| Lake | 53 | 7 | November 29, 2025 |
| McHenry | 53 | 7 | November 29, 2025 |
| Whiteside | 53 | 8 | December 7, 2025 |
| Stephenson | 52 | 9 | November 29, 2025 |
| Rock Island | 51 | 7 | December 18, 2025 |
| Boone | 50 | 8 | March 16, 2026 |
| Winnebago | 50 | 8 | March 16, 2026 |
| Henry | 47 | 4 | November 29, 2025 |
| Ogle | 47 | 7 | March 16, 2026 |
| Putnam | 46 | 5 | November 29, 2025 |
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 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 Illinois.