National Weather ServiceNebraskaWinter Storm WatchArchive to October 1, 2026
Winter Storm Watches in Nebraska
The National Weather Service issued 21 winter storm watches for Nebraska in 2025 and 24 a year on average in 2008-2025; in 2021-2025 it had the 13th most of any state. 2026 through September: 5, 69% below the average of 16 for those months in 2008-2025. Sheridan was covered most often (67 times since 2008).
How many winter storm watches does Nebraska get?
Every winter storm watch that covered part of Nebraska. 2026 is an outline: the year is not over.
The numbers
| Year | Count |
|---|---|
| 2026 (through September) | 5 |
| 2025 | 21 |
| 2024 | 14 |
| 2023 | 32 |
| 2022 | 20 |
| 2021 | 16 |
| 2020 | 21 |
| 2019 | 41 |
| 2018 | 48 |
| 2017 | 17 |
| 2016 | 21 |
| 2015 | 24 |
| 2014 | 11 |
| 2013 | 30 |
| 2012 | 10 |
| 2011 | 24 |
| 2010 | 14 |
| 2009 | 41 |
| 2008 | 24 |
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 Nebraska 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 Nebraska?
| County or forecast zone | Since 2008 | Since 2023 | Last issued |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sheridan | 67 | 9 | February 19, 2026 |
| Dawes | 65 | 8 | March 6, 2025 |
| Western Cherry | 64 | 9 | February 19, 2026 |
| Rock | 63 | 10 | March 6, 2025 |
| Brown | 61 | 9 | March 6, 2025 |
| Eastern Cherry | 61 | 9 | February 19, 2026 |
| Holt | 60 | 12 | March 15, 2026 |
| Keya Paha | 59 | 9 | March 6, 2025 |
| Box Butte | 56 | 8 | March 6, 2025 |
| Boyd | 56 | 11 | March 15, 2026 |
| Thomas | 56 | 8 | February 19, 2026 |
| North Sioux | 55 | 7 | March 6, 2025 |
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 Nebraska.