National Weather ServiceIowaWinter Storm WatchArchive to October 1, 2026
Winter Storm Watches in Iowa
The National Weather Service issued 25 winter storm watches for Iowa in 2025 and 22 a year on average in 2008-2025; in 2021-2025 it had the 15th most of any state. 2026 through September: 5, 69% below the average of 16 for those months in 2008-2025. Cerro Gordo was covered most often (72 times since 2008).
How many winter storm watches does Iowa get?
Every winter storm watch that covered part of Iowa. 2026 is an outline: the year is not over.
The numbers
| Year | Count |
|---|---|
| 2026 (through September) | 5 |
| 2025 | 25 |
| 2024 | 10 |
| 2023 | 24 |
| 2022 | 15 |
| 2021 | 21 |
| 2020 | 25 |
| 2019 | 29 |
| 2018 | 40 |
| 2017 | 14 |
| 2016 | 9 |
| 2015 | 22 |
| 2014 | 12 |
| 2013 | 29 |
| 2012 | 15 |
| 2011 | 19 |
| 2010 | 27 |
| 2009 | 27 |
| 2008 | 37 |
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 Iowa 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 Iowa?
| County or forecast zone | Since 2008 | Since 2023 | Last issued |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cerro Gordo | 72 | 12 | March 15, 2026 |
| Worth | 72 | 11 | March 15, 2026 |
| Hancock | 71 | 11 | March 15, 2026 |
| Winnebago | 71 | 11 | March 15, 2026 |
| Kossuth | 70 | 12 | March 15, 2026 |
| Howard | 68 | 10 | March 15, 2026 |
| Emmet | 67 | 12 | March 15, 2026 |
| Floyd | 67 | 11 | March 15, 2026 |
| Mitchell | 66 | 9 | March 15, 2026 |
| Chickasaw | 65 | 11 | March 15, 2026 |
| Dubuque | 65 | 9 | March 16, 2026 |
| Allamakee | 64 | 8 | March 15, 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 Iowa.