National Weather ServiceIndianaWinter Storm WatchArchive to October 1, 2026
Winter Storm Watches in Indiana
The National Weather Service issued 18 winter storm watches for Indiana 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: 7, 38% below the average of 11 for those months in 2008-2025. Elkhart was covered most often (50 times since 2008).
How many winter storm watches does Indiana get?
Every winter storm watch that covered part of Indiana. 2026 is an outline: the year is not over.
The numbers
| Year | Count |
|---|---|
| 2026 (through September) | 7 |
| 2025 | 18 |
| 2024 | 5 |
| 2023 | 5 |
| 2022 | 20 |
| 2021 | 12 |
| 2020 | 5 |
| 2019 | 7 |
| 2018 | 16 |
| 2017 | 3 |
| 2016 | 11 |
| 2015 | 20 |
| 2014 | 26 |
| 2013 | 14 |
| 2012 | 12 |
| 2011 | 15 |
| 2010 | 23 |
| 2009 | 11 |
| 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 Indiana 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 Indiana?
| County or forecast zone | Since 2008 | Since 2023 | Last issued |
|---|---|---|---|
| Elkhart | 50 | 5 | November 29, 2025 |
| St. Joseph | 49 | 0 | February 17, 2022 |
| Lagrange | 48 | 5 | November 29, 2025 |
| La Porte | 47 | 0 | February 17, 2022 |
| Lake | 45 | 6 | January 30, 2026 |
| Marshall | 45 | 7 | January 14, 2026 |
| Porter | 45 | 7 | January 30, 2026 |
| Starke | 43 | 6 | January 14, 2026 |
| Steuben | 42 | 5 | November 29, 2025 |
| Noble | 38 | 4 | November 29, 2025 |
| De Kalb | 36 | 4 | November 29, 2025 |
| Allen | 34 | 3 | January 25, 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 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 Indiana.