National Weather ServiceAlaskaWinter Storm WatchArchive to October 1, 2026
Winter Storm Watches in Alaska
The National Weather Service issued 59 winter storm watches for Alaska in 2025 and 39 a year on average in 2008-2025; in 2021-2025 it had the 2nd most of any state. 2026 through September: 49, 124% above the average of 22 for those months in 2008-2025. Southern Seward Peninsula Coast was covered most often (90 times since 2008).
How many winter storm watches does Alaska get?
Every winter storm watch that covered part of Alaska. 2026 is an outline: the year is not over.
The numbers
| Year | Count |
|---|---|
| 2026 (through September) | 49 |
| 2025 | 59 |
| 2024 | 80 |
| 2023 | 46 |
| 2022 | 40 |
| 2021 | 71 |
| 2020 | 66 |
| 2019 | 55 |
| 2018 | 26 |
| 2017 | 36 |
| 2016 | 22 |
| 2015 | 32 |
| 2014 | 22 |
| 2013 | 30 |
| 2012 | 22 |
| 2011 | 28 |
| 2010 | 23 |
| 2009 | 30 |
| 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 Alaska 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 Alaska?
| County or forecast zone | Since 2008 | Since 2023 | Last issued |
|---|---|---|---|
| Southern Seward Peninsula Coast | 90 | 22 | April 22, 2026 |
| Haines Borough and Lynn Canal | 89 | 0 | February 1, 2022 |
| Eastern Norton Sound and Nulato Hills | 83 | 19 | April 22, 2026 |
| Taiya Inlet and Klondike Highway | 75 | 0 | February 1, 2022 |
| Yukon Delta | 75 | 6 | March 25, 2023 |
| St Lawrence Island and Bering Strait Coast | 68 | 6 | March 25, 2023 |
| Lower Yukon Valley | 66 | 3 | March 25, 2023 |
| Glacier Bay | 65 | 17 | March 21, 2026 |
| Lower Koyukuk and Middle Yukon Valleys | 64 | 1 | March 25, 2023 |
| Eastern Chichagof Island | 61 | 16 | March 21, 2026 |
| Eastern Beaufort Sea Coast | 57 | 31 | March 20, 2026 |
| Juneau Borough and Northern Admiralty Island | 57 | 0 | February 1, 2022 |
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 watch?
A winter storm watch means a significant winter storm is possible in the coming days. A watch means the conditions for the hazard are possible or favourable, but it is not yet happening: be ready to act if a warning follows. The national record · Every warning type in Alaska.