Winter Storm Watch map: active winter storm watches now
There are no winter storm watches in effect right now. The most recent one in the NWS archive was issued on November 15, 2026 in Alaska.
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
None right now. This page updates automatically when the National Weather Service issues a new winter storm watch.
What is a winter storm watch?
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.
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.
How often winter storm watches are issued
From 2016 through 2025 the National Weather Service issued an average of 595 winter storm watches per year across the country, and 325 so far in 2026. Each count is one alert event, which can cover one or many counties.
States with the most winter storm watches
| State | Average per year |
|---|---|
| California | 63.5 |
| Alaska | 50.9 |
| Wyoming | 46.3 |
| Colorado | 46 |
| Montana | 43.2 |
| Minnesota | 37.6 |
| New York | 35.7 |
| Washington | 31.2 |
| Wisconsin | 27.3 |
| Nebraska | 26 |
| Idaho | 25.7 |
| Oregon | 22.4 |
| Iowa | 22 |
| Pennsylvania | 21.4 |
| South Dakota | 20.1 |
Winter Storm Watches by state
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
Related alerts
Frequently asked questions
How far ahead is a winter storm watch issued?
Usually 12 to 48 hours before the storm is expected to begin.