National Weather ServiceKentuckyWinter Storm WarningArchive to October 1, 2026
Winter Storm Warnings in Kentucky
The National Weather Service issued 20 winter storm warnings for Kentucky in 2025 and 14 a year on average in 2008-2025; in 2021-2025 it had the 27th most of any state. 2026 through September: 6, 47% below the average of 11 for those months in 2008-2025. Harlan was covered most often (44 times since 2008).
How many winter storm warnings does Kentucky get?
Every winter storm warning that covered part of Kentucky. 2026 is an outline: the year is not over.
The numbers
| Year | Count |
|---|---|
| 2026 (through September) | 6 |
| 2025 | 20 |
| 2024 | 4 |
| 2023 | 3 |
| 2022 | 22 |
| 2021 | 15 |
| 2020 | 3 |
| 2019 | 6 |
| 2018 | 26 |
| 2017 | 0 |
| 2016 | 12 |
| 2015 | 16 |
| 2014 | 31 |
| 2013 | 14 |
| 2012 | 9 |
| 2011 | 10 |
| 2010 | 28 |
| 2009 | 10 |
| 2008 | 18 |
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 Kentucky 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 Kentucky?
| County or forecast zone | Since 2008 | Since 2023 | Last issued |
|---|---|---|---|
| Harlan | 44 | 9 | January 30, 2026 |
| Letcher | 43 | 8 | January 30, 2026 |
| Pike | 43 | 8 | January 30, 2026 |
| Wolfe | 41 | 7 | January 24, 2026 |
| Magoffin | 40 | 7 | January 24, 2026 |
| Boone | 39 | 4 | January 24, 2026 |
| Morgan | 39 | 5 | January 24, 2026 |
| Johnson | 38 | 7 | January 24, 2026 |
| Menifee | 38 | 6 | January 24, 2026 |
| Campbell | 37 | 4 | January 24, 2026 |
| Fayette | 37 | 6 | January 24, 2026 |
| Floyd | 37 | 6 | January 24, 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 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 Kentucky.