High Wind Warning: what it means
“High Wind Warning: Take Action! Sustained, strong winds with even stronger gusts are happening. Seek shelter. If you are driving, keep both hands on the wheels and slow down. NWS offices issue this product based on local criteria.”
weather.gov →High Wind Warnings in effect right now
4 High Wind Warnings in effect, 2 High Wind Watchs, 7 Wind Advisorys.
States: Alaska, Washington, California, Oregon, Montana
- High Wind Warning until Oct 24, 2026, 8:00 AM ETKuskokwim Delta Coast and Nunivak Island; Interior Kuskokwim Delta; Western Capes; Northern Bristol Bay Coast
- High Wind Warning until Oct 24, 2026, 2:00 AM ETAleutians East Borough
- High Wind Warning until Oct 24, 2026, 8:00 PM ETSt Lawrence Island
- High Wind Warning until Oct 24, 2026, 8:00 PM ETYukon Delta Coast
- High Wind Watch until Oct 23, 2026, 5:00 PM ETEastern Glacier, Western Toole, and Central Pondera; Eastern Toole and Liberty; Hill County; Eastern Pondera and Eastern Teton; Western and Central Chouteau County
- High Wind Watch until Oct 25, 2026, 5:00 AM ETNorthern Denali Borough; Eastern Alaska Range North of Trims Camp
- Wind Advisory until Oct 23, 2026, 2:00 PM ETEastern Columbia River Gorge of Oregon; Eastern Columbia River Gorge of Washington; Kittitas Valley
- Wind Advisory until Oct 23, 2026, 6:00 PM ETUpper Columbia Basin; Okanogan Valley; Waterville Plateau
- Wind Advisory until Oct 23, 2026, 6:00 PM ETOkanogan Highlands
- Wind Advisory until Oct 23, 2026, 8:00 PM ETUnalaska and Nikolski
- Wind Advisory until Oct 22, 2026, 9:00 PM ETSan Bernardino County Mountains
- Wind Advisory until Oct 22, 2026, 9:00 PM ETRiverside County Mountains; San Diego County Mountains; San Diego County Deserts; San Gorgonio Pass Near Banning
National Weather Service data, updated Oct 22, 2026, 7:45 AM ET. Not an official warning: follow your local NWS office. All US alerts →
Watch, warning or advisory?
Each in the National Weather Service's own words.
High Wind Warning
“High Wind Warning: Take Action! Sustained, strong winds with even stronger gusts are happening. Seek shelter. If you are driving, keep both hands on the wheels and slow down. NWS offices issue this product based on local criteria.”
High Wind Watch
“High Wind Watch: Be Prepared! Sustained, strong winds are possible. Secure loose outdoor items and adjust plans as necessary so you're not caught outside. NWS offices issue this product based on local criteria.”
Wind Advisory
“Wind Advisory: Take Action! Strong winds are occurring but are not so strong as to warrant a High Wind Warning. Objects that are outdoors should be secured and caution should be taken if driving. NWS offices issue this product based on local criteria.”
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