National Weather ServiceNorth CarolinaCoastal Flood WatchArchive to October 1, 2026
Coastal Flood Watches in North Carolina
The National Weather Service issued 7 coastal flood watches for North Carolina in 2025 and 4 a year on average in 2008-2025; in 2021-2025 it had the 3rd most of any state. 2026 through September: 4, 100% above the average of 2 for those months in 2008-2025. Eastern Currituck was covered most often (28 times since 2008).
How many coastal flood watches does North Carolina get?
Every coastal flood watch that covered part of North Carolina. 2026 is an outline: the year is not over.
The numbers
| Year | Count |
|---|---|
| 2026 (through September) | 4 |
| 2025 | 7 |
| 2024 | 10 |
| 2023 | 7 |
| 2022 | 8 |
| 2021 | 4 |
| 2020 | 4 |
| 2019 | 2 |
| 2018 | 3 |
| 2017 | 2 |
| 2016 | 3 |
| 2015 | 3 |
| 2014 | 0 |
| 2013 | 0 |
| 2012 | 1 |
| 2011 | 0 |
| 2010 | 2 |
| 2009 | 5 |
| 2008 | 3 |
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 North Carolina 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 North Carolina?
| County or forecast zone | Since 2008 | Since 2023 | Last issued |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eastern Currituck | 28 | 9 | September 23, 2026 |
| Hatteras Island | 24 | 17 | September 23, 2026 |
| Northern Outer Banks | 21 | 14 | September 23, 2026 |
| Ocracoke Island | 17 | 12 | September 23, 2026 |
| East Carteret | 11 | 7 | January 31, 2026 |
| Pamlico | 9 | 4 | September 30, 2025 |
| Southern Craven | 8 | 4 | September 30, 2025 |
| Eastern Dare | 7 | 0 | September 30, 2010 |
| Beaufort | 6 | 3 | September 30, 2025 |
| Carteret | 6 | 0 | February 7, 2016 |
| Eastern Hyde | 5 | 0 | September 30, 2010 |
| Western Currituck | 5 | 2 | January 9, 2024 |
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 coastal flood watch?
A coastal flood watch means significant coastal flooding is possible. 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 North Carolina.