Homeowners Insurance
US States With the Most Weather Watches, Warnings and Advisories in the Past 5 Years
After last year’s record-setting heat waves and droughts and near-record number of billion-dollar disasters, it’s no surprise severe weather is increasing in frequency and severity. Through the National Weather Service (NWS), the U.S. is well-equipped to alert and prepare consumers for severe weather, but which states are the most likely to receive these severe weather alerts?
We analyzed data from the NWS to rank the states that received the most weather watches, warnings and advisories from 2018 through 2022. Stick around to learn how severe weather may impact your homeowners insurance.
On this page
- Key findings
- Texas had the most severe weather warnings, watches and advisories by far
- The District of Columbia saw fewer than 1,000 weather alerts
- Which states saw the biggest increases in weather alerts — and which saw the least?
- Severe thunderstorms were the most common event that resulted in a weather alert
- Preparing your home for severe weather: What to know, what to expect
- Methodology
Key findings
- 137,523 weather watches, warnings and advisories were issued in Texas from 2018 through 2022 — 122.2% more than the next state. Kansas (61,901) and Missouri (56,153) were next. Texas saw a 20.6% increase in watches, warnings and advisories between 2018 and 2022 — just outside the top 15.
- The District of Columbia was the only area to see fewer than 1,000 watches, warnings and advisories from 2018 through 2022. 976 were issued in D.C. in those five years, below Delaware (2,686) and Rhode Island (3,160). D.C. was one of 19 states that saw a decrease in watches, warnings and advisories between 2018 and 2022.
- Washington state saw the biggest increase in weather watches, warnings and advisories between 2018 and 2022. 2,870 were issued in the state in 2022, an 87.7% jump from 1,529 in 2018. The next biggest jumps were in Idaho (66.4%) and Utah (63.0%).
- Watches, warnings and advisories decreased the most in Massachusetts between 2018 and 2022. 1,592 were issued in the state in 2022, a 48.5% decrease from 3,090 in 2018. The next biggest decreases were in Rhode Island (46.1%) and Connecticut (40.0%).
- The most common warnings, watches and advisories from 2018 through 2022 were for severe thunderstorms (20.3%), floods (14.9%) and winter weather/small craft (both 6.0%).
What’s considered a weather warning, watch and advisory?
The National Weather Service (NWS) uses warnings, watches and advisories as weather alerts. The type of weather alert determines its severity. The differences are:
- Weather advisory: An advisory is the lowest level of severe weather alerts. It’s issued when a weather event is occurring, imminent or likely. However, advisories are for less serious conditions than warnings. They’re used for weather events that can cause significant inconvenience but could lead to situations that might threaten life or property if caution isn’t exercised. Weather events that could lead to a weather advisory (but not a weather warning) include frost and dense fog. But some events (like coastal floods and winds) could become severe enough to issue a weather warning.
- Weather watch: A watch is used when the risk of a severe weather event has increased significantly, but its occurrence, location or timing is still uncertain. Its intent is to provide people who live in the potentially affected areas enough time to prepare for severe weather.
- Weather warning: A warning is issued when a severe weather event is occurring, imminent or likely. Unlike weather advisories, a warning means weather conditions pose a greater threat to life or property. People in the affected areas need to take protective action. Possible weather events include hurricanes, excessive heat and floods.
Some weather alerts we’ll include in this study aren’t immediately recognizable. Here are more details on some of them:
- Snow squall: Sudden, intense periods of moderate to heavy snowfall typically lasting an hour or less.
- Small craft advisory: Special advisories issued for small crafts in bodies of water when high winds, frequent gusts and/or waves of 4 feet or higher are expected to begin within 36 hours.
- Marine warning: A warning of potentially hazardous weather conditions affecting areas included in a coastal waters forecast that aren’t adequately covered by existing marine warnings. They include sustained storms or wind gusts, hail three-quarters of an inch or more in diameter and/or waterspouts. These conditions last up to two hours.
- Beach hazard: An advisory for multiple hazardous conditions such as rip currents, unusual water temperatures, potential lightning along the beach or shoreline and unusual surf conditions. Hazards that don’t meet other advisory criteria are also typically included here.
- Blowing dust: An advisory for blowing dust that reduces visibilities to 1 mile or less, but greater than a quarter of a mile.
- Red flag warning: A warning issued to alert fire officials of potentially dangerous fire weather conditions in the next 12 to 24 hours.
- Hard freeze: Unlike freeze advisories, hard freeze advisories are only issued when temperatures are expected to be below 28 degrees.
Texas had the most severe weather warnings, watches and advisories by far
Everything’s bigger in Texas, and weather is no exception. From 2018 through 2022, 137,523 weather watches, warnings and advisories were issued in Texas — 122.1% more than the next state.
Annually, Texas received between 23,435 and 30,638 weather alerts. 2020 saw the fewest weather warnings, watches and advisories in the state, while 2022 saw the most. This comes as severe weather is becoming increasingly frequent. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), 2022 marked the eighth consecutive year in which 10 or more separate billion-dollar disaster events impacted the U.S. Of the 18 events in 2022, Texas experienced nine separate billion-dollar disaster events. Those include:
- Seven severe storms/tornadoes
- One winter storm
- One drought/heat wave
For Texas, that represents a 20.6% increase in watches, warnings and advisories between 2018 and 2022 — placing it just outside the top 15 (more on those rankings below).
According to ValuePenguin home insurance expert Divya Sangameshwar, Texas ranks first for a few reasons — and it could impact homeowners in the state.
"The state’s weather has always been defined by strange, difficult-to-forecast extremes," she says. "And with climate change, weather is becoming more extreme, putting homeowners at risk. Hurricanes are becoming more powerful, sea levels are rising and coastlines are eroding, increasing flood risk for Texans. Texan homeowners also face increased wildfire risks from strong winds, dry air and drought conditions exacerbated by climate change."
Naturally, more weather alerts mean more damage. A separate ValuePenguin study found that Texas experienced the most weather-related property damages of any state, with $58.3 billion in damages between 2017 and 2021.
States with the most weather alerts from 2018 through 2022
Rank | State | Total weather alerts |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Texas | 137,523 |
| 2 | Kansas | 61,901 |
| 3 | Missouri | 56,153 |
| 4 | Oklahoma | 55,455 |
| 5 | Georgia | 54,705 |
Source: ValuePenguin analysis of National Weather Service (NWS) data, obtained via the Iowa State University Iowa Environmental Mesonet.
Kansas experienced the second-most weather alerts. From 2018 through 2022, the state received 61,901 alerts, ranging from 10,290 in 2020 to 16,119 in 2019.
Among other things, alerts in the state can be attributed to floods in the Arkansas River Basin, which sits in Kansas. Although the river is wide in the Kansas plains (stretching as much as 1 mile wide in some places), it’s known for its shallowness. It also has a low potential for runoff (meaning it isn’t likely to drain). In combination with the flat terrain, this often results in flooding along the river. In 2019, flooding in the Arkansas River Basin caused $3 billion in estimated damages — which could account for the high number of alerts at the time.
Missouri was next. This state received 56,153 weather alerts — though some years it received far fewer than other states. In 2018, Missouri received just 9,789 weather warnings — ranking it eighth for the year — though it shot up to 15,302 alerts in 2019.
The state’s titular river could be attributed to significant alerts in 2019. Record-setting precipitation and flooding hit the Missouri River Basin, leading to 16 major disaster declarations, according to the NOAA.
The District of Columbia saw fewer than 1,000 weather alerts
How about the areas with the fewest weather alerts? From 2018 through 2022, the District of Columbia was the only area to see fewer than 1,000 watches, warnings and advisories — just 976 alerts were issued.
At its lowest, D.C. experienced 152 alerts in 2022. Meanwhile, at its highest, it experienced 216 alerts in 2021. Of the (relatively few) severe weather events in D.C., it’s worth noting that the district has frequently experienced winter storms and flash flooding.
D.C. was one of 19 states that saw a decrease in watches, warnings and advisories between 2018 and 2022 (more on those rankings below).
States with the fewest weather alerts from 2018 through 2022
Rank | State | Total weather alerts |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | 976 |
| 2 | Delaware | 2,686 |
| 3 | Rhode Island | 3,160 |
| 4 | Vermont | 5,514 |
| 5 | Connecticut | 5,629 |
Source: ValuePenguin analysis of NWS data, obtained via the Iowa State University Iowa Environmental Mesonet.
Following that, Delaware had the second-fewest weather alerts. From 2018 through 2022, the state experienced 2,686 alerts — peaking at 644 in 2020 and dipping to 414 in 2022. Slightly different from D.C., Delaware experienced tornadoes and flash flooding that led to alerts. Notably, Tropical Storm Isaias could be to blame for the uptick in alerts the state received in 2020 — it produced a tornado that swept across more than 29 miles in the state, setting a new record.
Rhode Island was next. The state received 3,160 weather alerts over the five years analyzed, experiencing the most alerts in 2018 — at 854 — and the least in 2022 — at 460. (It also had the second-biggest decrease in alerts between 2018 and 2022). Another East Coast state, Rhode Island was particularly hit by Hurricane Florence in 2018 and Tropical Storm Isaias in 2020.
Full rankings
States with the most/fewest weather alerts from 2018 through 2022
Rank | State | Total weather alerts |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Texas | 137,523 |
| 2 | Kansas | 61,901 |
| 3 | Missouri | 56,153 |
| 4 | Oklahoma | 55,455 |
| 5 | Georgia | 54,705 |
| 6 | Kentucky | 53,151 |
| 7 | Virginia | 52,504 |
| 8 | North Carolina | 46,602 |
| 9 | Nebraska | 45,947 |
| 10 | Illinois | 44,792 |
| 11 | Florida | 44,741 |
| 12 | Iowa | 43,278 |
Source: ValuePenguin analysis of NWS data, obtained via the Iowa State University Iowa Environmental Mesonet.
Which states saw the biggest increases in weather alerts — and which saw the least?
Washington state saw the biggest increase in weather watches, warnings and advisories between 2018 and 2022. While 1,529 alerts were issued in 2018, 2,870 were issued in the state in 2022 — an 87.7% jump. The state’s coastal location and climate change may play a role in the increase in severe weather alerts here.
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), several severe weather events — like floods, heat waves, cold snaps, high winds, droughts and extreme precipitation — have been recorded in increasing numbers across Northwestern states. Additionally, increasingly larger atmospheric rivers — bands of air that transport moisture north from the tropics — have caused increased flooding and heavy winds.
The next biggest jump was in Idaho, where weather alerts jumped from 1,521 in 2018 to 2,531 in 2022 — an increase of 66.4%. That’s followed by Utah, where weather alerts jumped from 1,115 in 2018 to 1,818 in 2022 — an increase of 63.0%.
Both Western states, climate change may also play a role here. Increasingly severe heat waves are becoming more common throughout the region — with a record-setting heat wave hitting much of the western U.S. in June 2021.
States with the biggest increases in weather alerts between 2018 and 2022
Rank | State | Total weather alerts | Weather alerts in 2018 | Weather alerts in 2022 | % change |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Washington | 10,395 | 1,529 | 2,870 | 87.7% |
| 2 | Idaho | 10,070 | 1,521 | 2,531 | 66.4% |
| 3 | Utah | 7,297 | 1,115 | 1,818 | 63.0% |
| 4 | South Dakota | 36,663 | 6,226 | 9,352 | 50.2% |
| 5 | Oregon | 9,816 | 1,558 | 2,295 | 47.3% |
Source: ValuePenguin analysis of NWS data, obtained via the Iowa State University Iowa Environmental Mesonet.
Meanwhile, weather alerts decreased the most in Massachusetts. In 2018, the state received 3,090 weather watches, warnings and advisories. In 2022, the state received 1,592 alerts — a 48.5% decrease.
The next biggest decreases were in Rhode Island, where weather alerts fell from 854 in 2018 to 460 in 2022 (a decrease of 46.1%). That’s followed by Connecticut, where weather alerts fell from 1,417 in 2018 to 850 in 2022 (a decrease of 40.0%).
States with the biggest decreases in weather alerts between 2018 and 2022
Rank | State | Total weather alerts | Weather alerts in 2018 | Weather alerts in 2022 | % change |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Massachusetts | 11,500 | 3,090 | 1,592 | -48.5% |
| 2 | Rhode Island | 3,160 | 854 | 460 | -46.1% |
| 3 | Connecticut | 5,629 | 1,417 | 850 | -40.0% |
| 4 | New Hampshire | 5,830 | 1,579 | 1,051 | -33.4% |
| 5 | Delaware | 2,686 | 614 | 414 | -32.6% |
Source: ValuePenguin analysis of NWS data, obtained via the Iowa State University Iowa Environmental Mesonet.
Full rankings
States with the biggest increases/decreases in weather alerts between 2018 and 2022
Rank | State | Total weather alerts | Weather alerts in 2018 | Weather alerts in 2022 | % change |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Washington | 10,395 | 1,529 | 2,870 | 87.7% |
| 2 | Idaho | 10,070 | 1,521 | 2,531 | 66.4% |
| 3 | Utah | 7,297 | 1,115 | 1,818 | 63.0% |
| 4 | South Dakota | 36,663 | 6,226 | 9,352 | 50.2% |
| 5 | Oregon | 9,816 | 1,558 | 2,295 | 47.3% |
| 6 | California | 36,969 | 5,902 | 8,385 | 42.1% |
| 7 | New Mexico | 25,821 | 5,021 | 7,090 | 41.2% |
| 8 | North Dakota | 28,421 | 5,219 | 7,289 | 39.7% |
| 9 | Nebraska | 45,947 | 7,763 | 10,730 | 38.2% |
| 10 | Mississippi | 38,633 | 6,740 | 9,118 | 35.3% |
| 11 | Alaska | 8,714 | 1,407 | 1,853 | 31.7% |
| 12 | Minnesota | 41,228 | 7,613 | 9,895 | 30.0% |
Source: ValuePenguin analysis of NWS data, obtained via the Iowa State University Iowa Environmental Mesonet.
Severe thunderstorms were the most common event that resulted in a weather alert
Perhaps unsurprisingly, the most common warnings, watches and advisories from 2018 through 2022 were severe thunderstorms. In fact, 20.3% of all weather alerts during this time were severe thunderstorms.
Climate change may play a role here. However, Sangameshwar says there’s more nuance than that.
"On one hand, warmer temperatures lead to more moisture in the air, and changes in atmospheric circulation patterns, which create more favorable conditions for thunderstorm formation," she says. "With more rain comes more flooding and flash flooding. But improved technology and monitoring systems can also contribute to an increase in reported thunderstorms and flood warnings."
Weather events that account for the highest percentage of weather alerts
Event type | Alerts in 2018 | Alerts in 2019 | Alerts in 2020 | Alerts in 2021 | Alerts in 2022 | Total alerts | % of total weather alerts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Severe Thunderstorm | 75,965 | 99,278 | 82,183 | 76,604 | 85,115 | 419,145 | 20.3% |
| Flood | 74,911 | 68,471 | 51,978 | 56,541 | 55,767 | 307,668 | 14.9% |
| Small craft | 22,832 | 24,255 | 26,353 | 25,433 | 26,294 | 125,167 | 6.0% |
| Winter weather | 29,193 | 31,070 | 18,946 | 20,186 | 24,752 | 124,147 | 6.0% |
| Flash flood | 25,852 | 25,634 | 21,788 | 26,897 | 12,957 | 113,128 | 5.5% |
Source: ValuePenguin analysis of NWS data, obtained via the Iowa State University Iowa Environmental Mesonet.
Following severe thunderstorms, floods (14.9%) are the next most common event that result in a weather alert. In addition to the advanced monitoring systems mentioned above, climate change can again be attributed to the increase in frequency (and severity) of both events. As weather warms, sea levels are on the rise and tropical storms are growing in volatility — meaning many states (particularly coastal states) may be more at risk for flooding than before.
Full rankings
Weather events that account for the highest/lowest percentage of weather alerts
Event type | Alerts in 2018 | Alerts in 2019 | Alerts in 2020 | Alerts in 2021 | Alerts in 2022 | Total alerts | % of total weather alerts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Severe thunderstorm | 75,965 | 99,278 | 82,183 | 76,604 | 85,115 | 419,145 | 20.3% |
| Flood | 74,911 | 68,471 | 51,978 | 56,541 | 55,767 | 307,668 | 14.9% |
| Small craft | 22,832 | 24,255 | 26,353 | 25,433 | 26,294 | 125,167 | 6.0% |
| Winter weather | 29,193 | 31,070 | 18,946 | 20,186 | 24,752 | 124,147 | 6.0% |
| Wind | 18,119 | 22,785 | 24,573 | 19,581 | 29,553 | 114,611 | 5.5% |
| Flash flood | 25,852 | 25,634 | 21,788 | 26,897 | 12,957 | 113,128 | 5.5% |
| Dense fog | 20,941 | 24,561 | 22,889 | 25,121 | 19,055 | 112,567 | 5.4% |
| Marine | 16,792 | 19,219 | 21,229 | 21,392 | 20,331 | 98,963 | 4.8% |
| Tornado | 12,590 | 17,926 | 14,443 | 15,362 | 15,987 | 76,308 | 3.7% |
| Red flag | 15,113 | 5,033 | 14,103 | 15,900 | 25,477 | 75,626 | 3.7% |
| Heat | 10,856 | 11,498 | 11,190 | 12,843 | 21,588 | 67,975 | 3.3% |
| Winter storm | 13,807 | 15,746 | 9,175 | 12,433 | 14,867 | 66,028 | 3.2% |
Source: ValuePenguin analysis of NWS data, obtained via the Iowa State University Iowa Environmental Mesonet.
Preparing your home for severe weather: What to know, what to expect
For homeowners, severe weather is just one of many things to worry about — and for good reason. According to a recent ValuePenguin survey, 70% of homeowners who’ve filed an insurance claim say it was for weather-related damages. There’s some good news: Among those who’ve made weather-related insurance claims, 34% were reimbursed for more than expected and 41% received about what they expected.
Still, it’s always better to be prepared. To prevent weather-related damages, Sangameshwar recommends the following:
- Identify vulnerabilities and potential losses in your home. "Spend some time identifying your home’s weak spots, like a damaged roof, missing shingles, clogged gutters, dying or rotting trees and blocked drains, and make those repairs or fixes in a timely manner," she says. "Additionally, it’s important to know your potential losses. This includes making an inventory of the contents of your home and your valuables and the current cost to rebuild your home from scratch to calculate the dollar value of potential losses in case of a disaster and determine if you have enough coverage against those losses."
- Know your homeowners insurance policy inside and out. "Make sure you have enough coverage and read the fine print to make sure weather-related damages are covered," she says. "For example, if you live in an area where tornadoes or hurricanes are common, you may need to buy additional windstorm coverage to protect against wind damages. This may not be immediately obvious if you don’t review your policy document."
- Invest in flood insurance. "Thunderstorms and floods have seen the biggest increase in alerts," she says. "Even if you live in an area that FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) may mark out as low flood risk, you could still wake up one morning to find an inch of floodwater in your basement — and you’d have to pay out of pocket for repairs and clean up because your homeowners insurance won’t cover flood damages. You can get a FEMA flood insurance policy or private flood insurance for financial protection against flood damages."
- Invest in making your home weather-resistant. "If your budget allows you to do so, make regular repairs and updates to your home to reduce weather risk," she says. "This includes repairing previous storm damages in a timely manner, regularly inspecting and repairing damages to your roof and siding, installing hail-resistant roofs and hurricane shutters, trimming trees and securing outdoor furniture. Taking steps like this may also qualify you for some insurance discounts."
Methodology
ValuePenguin researchers analyzed National Weather Service data via the Iowa State University Iowa Environmental Mesonet.
Specifically, researchers analyzed more than 1.5 million weather watches, warnings and advisories issued in the U.S. from 2018 through 2022.
We ranked the states from highlight to lowest based on total watches, warnings and advisories from 2018 through 2022. We also calculated the percentage change in alerts between 2018 and 2022.