National Weather ServiceCaliforniaFlash Flood WatchArchive to October 1, 2026
Flash Flood Watches in California
The National Weather Service issued 2 flash flood watches for California in 2025 and 35 a year on average in 2008-2025; in 2021-2025 it had the 2nd most of any state. 2026 through September: 0, 100% below the average of 27 for those months in 2008-2025. Los Angeles County Mountains excluding the Santa Monica Range was covered most often (106 times since 2008).
How many flash flood watches does California get?
Every flash flood watch that covered part of California. 2026 is an outline: the year is not over.
The numbers
| Year | Count |
|---|---|
| 2026 (through September) | 0 |
| 2025 | 2 |
| 2024 | 4 |
| 2023 | 15 |
| 2022 | 11 |
| 2021 | 41 |
| 2020 | 21 |
| 2019 | 61 |
| 2018 | 44 |
| 2017 | 50 |
| 2016 | 53 |
| 2015 | 51 |
| 2014 | 50 |
| 2013 | 41 |
| 2012 | 38 |
| 2011 | 35 |
| 2010 | 26 |
| 2009 | 24 |
| 2008 | 62 |
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 California 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 California?
| County or forecast zone | Since 2008 | Since 2023 | Last issued |
|---|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles County Mountains excluding the Santa Monica Range | 106 | 0 | December 31, 2021 |
| San Bernardino County Mountains | 101 | 1 | October 14, 2025 |
| Riverside County Mountains | 98 | 0 | September 24, 2021 |
| San Diego County Mountains | 96 | 0 | September 24, 2021 |
| Ventura County Mountains | 76 | 0 | July 26, 2021 |
| Antelope Valley | 71 | 0 | December 11, 2022 |
| Santa Barbara County Mountains | 71 | 0 | December 14, 2021 |
| San Diego County Deserts | 63 | 0 | September 24, 2021 |
| Apple and Lucerne Valleys | 62 | 0 | August 31, 2021 |
| Coachella Valley | 62 | 0 | September 24, 2021 |
| Santa Ana Mountains and Foothills | 57 | 1 | October 14, 2025 |
| Los Angeles County San Gabriel Valley | 54 | 1 | February 13, 2025 |
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 flash flood watch?
A flash flood watch means the rain or conditions that lead to flash flooding are possible in the coming hours. Since 2022 most NWS offices issue a flood watch in its place: the national count fell from 692 in 2021 to 76 in 2022, while flood watches rose from 203 to 715 (IEM archive), so compare the two together. 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 California.