National Weather ServiceNorth CarolinaWinter Storm WatchArchive to October 1, 2026
Winter Storm Watches in North Carolina
The National Weather Service issued 17 winter storm watches for North Carolina in 2025 and 13 a year on average in 2008-2025; in 2021-2025 it had the 34th most of any state. 2026 through September: 13, 23% above the average of 11 for those months in 2008-2025. Mitchell was covered most often (67 times since 2008).
How many winter storm watches does North Carolina get?
Every winter storm watch that covered part of North Carolina. 2026 is an outline: the year is not over.
The numbers
| Year | Count |
|---|---|
| 2026 (through September) | 13 |
| 2025 | 17 |
| 2024 | 3 |
| 2023 | 2 |
| 2022 | 13 |
| 2021 | 14 |
| 2020 | 4 |
| 2019 | 7 |
| 2018 | 17 |
| 2017 | 9 |
| 2016 | 9 |
| 2015 | 18 |
| 2014 | 15 |
| 2013 | 18 |
| 2012 | 5 |
| 2011 | 11 |
| 2010 | 29 |
| 2009 | 22 |
| 2008 | 14 |
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 North Carolina 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 North Carolina?
| County or forecast zone | Since 2008 | Since 2023 | Last issued |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mitchell | 67 | 6 | January 30, 2026 |
| Yancey | 66 | 5 | January 30, 2026 |
| Avery | 65 | 5 | January 30, 2026 |
| Haywood | 57 | 5 | January 30, 2026 |
| Madison | 57 | 5 | January 30, 2026 |
| Swain | 54 | 6 | January 30, 2026 |
| Graham | 51 | 6 | January 30, 2026 |
| Ashe | 48 | 6 | January 30, 2026 |
| Watauga | 47 | 5 | January 30, 2026 |
| Northern Jackson | 41 | 4 | January 30, 2026 |
| Alleghany | 39 | 6 | January 30, 2026 |
| Buncombe | 37 | 4 | January 30, 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 North Carolina.