National Weather ServiceNew YorkWinter Storm WatchArchive to October 1, 2026
Winter Storm Watches in New York
The National Weather Service issued 53 winter storm watches for New York in 2025 and 32 a year on average in 2008-2025; in 2021-2025 it had the 6th most of any state. 2026 through September: 20, 10% below the average of 22 for those months in 2008-2025. Lewis was covered most often (110 times since 2008).
How many winter storm watches does New York get?
Every winter storm watch that covered part of New York. 2026 is an outline: the year is not over.
The numbers
| Year | Count |
|---|---|
| 2026 (through September) | 20 |
| 2025 | 53 |
| 2024 | 40 |
| 2023 | 33 |
| 2022 | 50 |
| 2021 | 27 |
| 2020 | 31 |
| 2019 | 43 |
| 2018 | 33 |
| 2017 | 30 |
| 2016 | 12 |
| 2015 | 23 |
| 2014 | 28 |
| 2013 | 22 |
| 2012 | 15 |
| 2011 | 36 |
| 2010 | 23 |
| 2009 | 32 |
| 2008 | 44 |
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 New York 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 New York?
| County or forecast zone | Since 2008 | Since 2023 | Last issued |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lewis | 110 | 33 | March 13, 2026 |
| Oswego | 108 | 34 | March 13, 2026 |
| Northern Herkimer | 105 | 27 | March 13, 2026 |
| Jefferson | 104 | 29 | March 13, 2026 |
| Hamilton | 101 | 22 | March 13, 2026 |
| Northern Warren | 91 | 14 | February 20, 2026 |
| Northern Oneida | 90 | 24 | March 17, 2026 |
| Northern Fulton | 87 | 17 | January 25, 2026 |
| Western Ulster | 81 | 13 | February 22, 2026 |
| Chautauqua | 79 | 16 | February 23, 2026 |
| Southern Oneida | 79 | 16 | March 17, 2026 |
| Western Greene | 79 | 14 | February 22, 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 New York.