National Weather ServiceWashingtonWinter Storm WarningArchive to October 1, 2026
Winter Storm Warnings in Washington
The National Weather Service issued 34 winter storm warnings for Washington in 2025 and 43 a year on average in 2008-2025; in 2021-2025 it had the 6th most of any state. 2026 through September: 15, 39% below the average of 25 for those months in 2008-2025. South Washington Cascades was covered most often (126 times since 2008).
How many winter storm warnings does Washington get?
Every winter storm warning that covered part of Washington. 2026 is an outline: the year is not over.
The numbers
| Year | Count |
|---|---|
| 2026 (through September) | 15 |
| 2025 | 34 |
| 2024 | 53 |
| 2023 | 38 |
| 2022 | 48 |
| 2021 | 50 |
| 2020 | 36 |
| 2019 | 40 |
| 2018 | 38 |
| 2017 | 48 |
| 2016 | 34 |
| 2015 | 26 |
| 2014 | 44 |
| 2013 | 27 |
| 2012 | 65 |
| 2011 | 40 |
| 2010 | 44 |
| 2009 | 55 |
| 2008 | 51 |
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 Washington 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 Washington?
| County or forecast zone | Since 2008 | Since 2023 | Last issued |
|---|---|---|---|
| South Washington Cascades | 126 | 22 | April 15, 2026 |
| Northeast Mountains | 112 | 2 | January 17, 2024 |
| Northwest Blue Mountains | 109 | 20 | March 11, 2026 |
| West Slopes North Cascades and Passes | 106 | 27 | March 15, 2025 |
| West Slopes South Central Cascades and Passes | 92 | 17 | March 15, 2025 |
| West Slopes North Central Cascades and Passes | 88 | 22 | March 15, 2025 |
| West Slopes Northern Cascades and Passes | 85 | 0 | March 16, 2014 |
| East Slopes Northern Cascades | 81 | 0 | March 28, 2021 |
| Okanogan Highlands | 80 | 5 | March 13, 2025 |
| West Slopes Central Cascades and Passes | 78 | 0 | March 2, 2014 |
| Olympics | 76 | 6 | March 12, 2026 |
| East Slopes of the Washington Cascades | 68 | 2 | February 26, 2023 |
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 Washington in AreaZine's record
NWS SpokaneWarningApril 13, 2026
Winter Storm Warning: Western Chelan County, WA
Expired 5:00 a.m. PDT, April 15, 2026
NWS SeattleWarningApril 13, 2026
Winter Storm Warning: Cascades of Whatcom and Skagit Counties, Cascades of Snohomish and Northern King Counties, Cascades of Southern King County and 1 more, WA
Expired 11:00 p.m. PDT, April 15, 2026
NWS PortlandWarningApril 13, 2026
Winter Storm Warning: North Oregon Cascades, Cascades of Marion and Linn Counties, Cascades of Lane County and 1 more, OR and WA
Expired 5:00 a.m. PDT, April 16, 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 Washington.