National Weather ServiceTennesseeWinter Storm WatchArchive to October 1, 2026
Winter Storm Watches in Tennessee
The National Weather Service issued 9 winter storm watches for Tennessee in 2025 and 8 a year on average in 2008-2025; in 2021-2025 it had the 38th most of any state. 2026 through September: 5, 24% below the average of 7 for those months in 2008-2025. Unicoi was covered most often (55 times since 2008).
How many winter storm watches does Tennessee get?
Every winter storm watch that covered part of Tennessee. 2026 is an outline: the year is not over.
The numbers
| Year | Count |
|---|---|
| 2026 (through September) | 5 |
| 2025 | 9 |
| 2024 | 5 |
| 2023 | 3 |
| 2022 | 9 |
| 2021 | 14 |
| 2020 | 2 |
| 2019 | 2 |
| 2018 | 4 |
| 2017 | 2 |
| 2016 | 4 |
| 2015 | 13 |
| 2014 | 15 |
| 2013 | 13 |
| 2012 | 5 |
| 2011 | 11 |
| 2010 | 15 |
| 2009 | 8 |
| 2008 | 5 |
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 Tennessee 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 Tennessee?
| County or forecast zone | Since 2008 | Since 2023 | Last issued |
|---|---|---|---|
| Unicoi | 55 | 9 | January 30, 2026 |
| Southeast Carter | 54 | 9 | January 30, 2026 |
| Johnson | 53 | 9 | January 30, 2026 |
| Southeast Greene | 52 | 9 | January 30, 2026 |
| Blount Smoky Mountains | 50 | 10 | January 30, 2026 |
| Cocke Smoky Mountains | 50 | 10 | January 30, 2026 |
| Sevier Smoky Mountains | 50 | 10 | January 30, 2026 |
| Southeast Monroe | 36 | 7 | January 30, 2026 |
| Northwest Carter | 29 | 5 | January 30, 2026 |
| Claiborne | 27 | 4 | January 24, 2026 |
| Fayette | 27 | 4 | January 23, 2026 |
| Hancock | 27 | 4 | January 24, 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 Tennessee.