North Carolina winter storm watches
There are no winter storm watches in North Carolina right now. The last one was issued on January 31, 2026.
A significant winter storm with heavy snow, sleet or ice is possible in the next one to two days.
Updated from the National Weather Service · lists refresh hourly; the live map loads current alerts directly from the NWS
Active winter storm watches in North Carolina
None right now. Other active alerts in North Carolina: 6 (see the North Carolina alerts page).
Winter Storm Watches in North Carolina by year
North Carolina averaged 9.5 winter storm watches per year from 2016 to 2025, and has had 13 so far in 2026. The most recent was issued on January 31, 2026.
Counties with the most winter storm watches
| County | 2016–2025 |
|---|---|
| Mitchell County | 24 |
| Yancey County | 23 |
| Avery County | 23 |
| Ashe County | 21 |
| Watauga County | 20 |
| Alleghany County | 19 |
| Swain County | 18 |
| Graham County | 18 |
| Madison County | 18 |
| Caldwell County | 17 |
What a winter storm watch means
A winter storm watch gives early notice that conditions could meet winter storm warning criteria, usually 12 to 48 hours before the storm. Confidence in the track or precipitation type is not yet high enough for a warning. Watches are later upgraded to warnings, changed to advisories, or cancelled.
More about winter storm watches and the national map →
What to do
- Stock up on food, water, medicines and fuel before the storm.
- Plan to delay travel and work remotely if possible.
- Get vehicles ready with a full tank and winter supplies.
More North Carolina alerts
- Tornado Warnings
- Tornado Watches
- Severe Thunderstorm Warnings
- Flash Flood Warnings
- Flood Warnings
- Flood Watches
- Winter Storm Warnings
- Winter Weather Advisories
- Cold Weather Advisories
- Freeze Warnings
- Frost Advisories
- Heat Advisories
- Extreme Heat Warnings
- High Wind Warnings
- Wind Advisories
- Red Flag Warnings
- Dense Fog Advisories
- Tropical Storm Warnings
- All North Carolina alerts