National Weather ServiceMinnesotaWinter Storm WarningArchive to October 1, 2026
Winter Storm Warnings in Minnesota
The National Weather Service issued 34 winter storm warnings for Minnesota in 2025 and 35 a year on average in 2008-2025; in 2021-2025 it had the 8th most of any state. 2026 through September: 18, 18% below the average of 22 for those months in 2008-2025. Southern Cook/North Shore was covered most often (117 times since 2008).
How many winter storm warnings does Minnesota get?
Every winter storm warning that covered part of Minnesota. 2026 is an outline: the year is not over.
The numbers
| Year | Count |
|---|---|
| 2026 (through September) | 18 |
| 2025 | 34 |
| 2024 | 25 |
| 2023 | 37 |
| 2022 | 37 |
| 2021 | 27 |
| 2020 | 29 |
| 2019 | 64 |
| 2018 | 52 |
| 2017 | 20 |
| 2016 | 27 |
| 2015 | 21 |
| 2014 | 36 |
| 2013 | 52 |
| 2012 | 21 |
| 2011 | 23 |
| 2010 | 51 |
| 2009 | 37 |
| 2008 | 36 |
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 Minnesota 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 Minnesota?
| County or forecast zone | Since 2008 | Since 2023 | Last issued |
|---|---|---|---|
| Southern Cook/North Shore | 117 | 26 | April 4, 2026 |
| Southern Lake/North Shore | 113 | 22 | April 4, 2026 |
| Carlton/South St. Louis | 94 | 19 | April 4, 2026 |
| Northern Cook/Northern Lake | 92 | 15 | April 4, 2026 |
| Washington | 76 | 14 | April 2, 2026 |
| Anoka | 74 | 13 | March 15, 2026 |
| Hennepin | 73 | 11 | April 2, 2026 |
| Pine | 73 | 15 | April 4, 2026 |
| Nicollet | 72 | 12 | April 2, 2026 |
| Sibley | 72 | 11 | April 2, 2026 |
| Chisago | 71 | 14 | March 15, 2026 |
| East Becker | 71 | 10 | April 3, 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 Minnesota.