National Weather ServiceIowaFlash Flood WatchArchive to October 1, 2026
Flash Flood Watches in Iowa
The National Weather Service issued 0 flash flood watches for Iowa in 2025 and 28 a year on average in 2008-2025; in 2021-2025 it had the 34th most of any state. 2026 through September: 0, 100% below the average of 27 for those months in 2008-2025. Van Buren was covered most often (103 times since 2008).
How many flash flood watches does Iowa get?
Every flash flood watch that covered part of Iowa. 2026 is an outline: the year is not over.
The numbers
| Year | Count |
|---|---|
| 2026 (through September) | 0 |
| 2025 | 0 |
| 2024 | 0 |
| 2023 | 0 |
| 2022 | 0 |
| 2021 | 15 |
| 2020 | 18 |
| 2019 | 59 |
| 2018 | 46 |
| 2017 | 17 |
| 2016 | 42 |
| 2015 | 37 |
| 2014 | 44 |
| 2013 | 34 |
| 2012 | 11 |
| 2011 | 22 |
| 2010 | 81 |
| 2009 | 28 |
| 2008 | 55 |
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 Iowa 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 Iowa?
| County or forecast zone | Since 2008 | Since 2023 | Last issued |
|---|---|---|---|
| Van Buren | 103 | 0 | October 24, 2021 |
| Henry | 102 | 0 | October 24, 2021 |
| Jefferson | 101 | 0 | October 24, 2021 |
| Lee | 101 | 0 | October 24, 2021 |
| Louisa | 101 | 0 | October 24, 2021 |
| Decatur | 100 | 0 | July 31, 2021 |
| Des Moines | 100 | 0 | October 24, 2021 |
| Lucas | 100 | 0 | July 31, 2021 |
| Washington | 99 | 0 | October 24, 2021 |
| Clarke | 98 | 0 | July 31, 2021 |
| Monroe | 98 | 0 | July 9, 2021 |
| Wayne | 98 | 0 | July 31, 2021 |
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 Iowa.