National Weather ServiceKentuckyFlash Flood WarningArchive to October 1, 2026
Flash Flood Warnings in Kentucky
The National Weather Service issued 226 flash flood warnings for Kentucky in 2025 and 141 a year on average in 2008-2025; in 2021-2025 it had the 10th most of any state. 2026 through September: 249, 82% above the average of 137 for those months in 2008-2025. Pulaski was covered most often (135 times since 2008).
How many flash flood warnings does Kentucky get?
Every flash flood warning that covered part of Kentucky. 2026 is an outline: the year is not over.
The numbers
| Year | Count |
|---|---|
| 2026 (through September) | 249 |
| 2025 | 226 |
| 2024 | 76 |
| 2023 | 110 |
| 2022 | 164 |
| 2021 | 166 |
| 2020 | 154 |
| 2019 | 105 |
| 2018 | 148 |
| 2017 | 112 |
| 2016 | 163 |
| 2015 | 209 |
| 2014 | 101 |
| 2013 | 132 |
| 2012 | 104 |
| 2011 | 179 |
| 2010 | 157 |
| 2009 | 167 |
| 2008 | 69 |
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 Kentucky 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 Kentucky?
| County or forecast zone | Since 2008 | Since 2023 | Last issued |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pulaski | 135 | 22 | September 22, 2026 |
| Whitley | 134 | 12 | August 6, 2026 |
| Laurel | 129 | 25 | August 12, 2026 |
| Knox | 113 | 18 | September 23, 2026 |
| Pike | 112 | 18 | September 22, 2026 |
| Jefferson | 108 | 38 | July 21, 2026 |
| Jackson | 107 | 24 | August 7, 2026 |
| Rockcastle | 104 | 25 | July 21, 2026 |
| Clay | 103 | 19 | September 23, 2026 |
| Bath | 100 | 17 | August 15, 2026 |
| Bell | 97 | 15 | September 24, 2026 |
| Breathitt | 96 | 22 | August 17, 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.
The latest flash flood warnings for Kentucky in AreaZine's record
NWS JacksonWarningSeptember 23, 2026
Flash Flood Warning: Harlan, KY
Expired 1:00 a.m. EDT, September 24, 2026
NWS JacksonWarningSeptember 23, 2026
Flash Flood Warning: Bell, Harlan and Leslie, KY
Expired 10:15 p.m. EDT, September 23, 2026
NWS JacksonWarningSeptember 23, 2026
Flash Flood Warning: Clay and Knox, KY
Expired 9:45 p.m. EDT, September 23, 2026
NWS JacksonWarningSeptember 23, 2026
Flash Flood Warning: Martin, KY
Expired 9:45 p.m. EDT, September 23, 2026
NWS JacksonWarningSeptember 23, 2026
Flash Flood Warning: Bell, Clay and Knox, KY
Expired 9:30 p.m. EDT, September 23, 2026
NWS JacksonWarningSeptember 23, 2026
Flash Flood Warning: Letcher, KY
Expired 8:00 p.m. EDT, September 23, 2026
NWS CharlestonWarningSeptember 23, 2026
Flash Flood Warning: Lawrence and Wayne, KY and WV
Expired 7:45 p.m. EDT, September 23, 2026
NWS JacksonWarningSeptember 23, 2026
Flash Flood Warning: Knott, Letcher and Perry, KY
Expired 6:45 p.m. EDT, September 23, 2026
This list is AreaZine's record of the NWS alert feed, kept since April 6, 2026; the counts above come from the complete IEM archive.
Source: National Weather Service alerts (api.weather.gov).
What is a flash flood warning?
A flash flood warning means flash flooding is happening or about to happen: water rising fast in streams, streets or dry washes, usually within six hours of heavy rain or a dam or levee failure. A warning means the hazard is happening, about to happen, or very likely: act now to protect people and property. The national record · Every warning type in Kentucky.