National Weather ServiceVirginiaCoastal Flood WatchArchive to October 1, 2026
Coastal Flood Watches in Virginia
The National Weather Service issued 4 coastal flood watches for Virginia in 2025 and 5 a year on average in 2008-2025; in 2021-2025 it had the 2nd most of any state. 2026 through September: 3, 11% below the average of 3 for those months in 2008-2025. Arlington/Falls Church/Alexandria was covered most often (35 times since 2008).
How many coastal flood watches does Virginia get?
Every coastal flood watch that covered part of Virginia. 2026 is an outline: the year is not over.
The numbers
| Year | Count |
|---|---|
| 2026 (through September) | 3 |
| 2025 | 4 |
| 2024 | 13 |
| 2023 | 7 |
| 2022 | 8 |
| 2021 | 5 |
| 2020 | 5 |
| 2019 | 5 |
| 2018 | 8 |
| 2017 | 1 |
| 2016 | 2 |
| 2015 | 3 |
| 2014 | 1 |
| 2013 | 2 |
| 2012 | 4 |
| 2011 | 8 |
| 2010 | 4 |
| 2009 | 6 |
| 2008 | 1 |
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 Virginia 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 Virginia?
| County or forecast zone | Since 2008 | Since 2023 | Last issued |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arlington/Falls Church/Alexandria | 35 | 6 | September 24, 2026 |
| Northampton | 33 | 9 | September 23, 2026 |
| Northumberland | 31 | 14 | September 23, 2026 |
| Virginia Beach | 31 | 10 | September 23, 2026 |
| Accomack | 30 | 6 | September 23, 2026 |
| Norfolk/Portsmouth | 28 | 8 | February 1, 2026 |
| Lancaster | 27 | 11 | September 23, 2026 |
| Middlesex | 27 | 11 | September 23, 2026 |
| Chesapeake | 26 | 9 | September 23, 2026 |
| Mathews | 26 | 10 | September 23, 2026 |
| Westmoreland | 26 | 14 | September 23, 2026 |
| Hampton/Poquoson | 25 | 9 | September 23, 2026 |
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 Virginia.