National Weather ServiceVirginiaWinter Storm WatchArchive to October 1, 2026
Winter Storm Watches in Virginia
The National Weather Service issued 19 winter storm watches for Virginia in 2025 and 17 a year on average in 2008-2025; in 2021-2025 it had the 22nd most of any state. 2026 through September: 11, 14% below the average of 13 for those months in 2008-2025. Western Highland was covered most often (63 times since 2008).
How many winter storm watches does Virginia get?
Every winter storm watch that covered part of Virginia. 2026 is an outline: the year is not over.
The numbers
| Year | Count |
|---|---|
| 2026 (through September) | 11 |
| 2025 | 19 |
| 2024 | 8 |
| 2023 | 4 |
| 2022 | 20 |
| 2021 | 22 |
| 2020 | 7 |
| 2019 | 10 |
| 2018 | 17 |
| 2017 | 6 |
| 2016 | 14 |
| 2015 | 18 |
| 2014 | 27 |
| 2013 | 23 |
| 2012 | 16 |
| 2011 | 15 |
| 2010 | 33 |
| 2009 | 23 |
| 2008 | 16 |
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 Virginia 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 Virginia?
| County or forecast zone | Since 2008 | Since 2023 | Last issued |
|---|---|---|---|
| Western Highland | 63 | 11 | February 22, 2026 |
| Frederick | 56 | 6 | January 24, 2026 |
| Shenandoah | 56 | 6 | January 24, 2026 |
| Augusta | 55 | 5 | January 24, 2026 |
| Rockingham | 54 | 6 | January 24, 2026 |
| Warren | 53 | 6 | January 24, 2026 |
| Page | 52 | 6 | January 24, 2026 |
| Clarke | 51 | 6 | January 24, 2026 |
| Nelson | 49 | 5 | January 24, 2026 |
| Bath | 48 | 4 | January 24, 2026 |
| Eastern Highland | 48 | 6 | January 24, 2026 |
| Wise | 48 | 6 | 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 Virginia.