National Weather ServiceNebraskaFlash Flood WatchArchive to October 1, 2026
Flash Flood Watches in Nebraska
The National Weather Service issued 0 flash flood watches for Nebraska in 2025 and 16 a year on average in 2008-2025; in 2021-2025 it had the 46th most of any state. 2026 through September: 1, 94% below the average of 16 for those months in 2008-2025. Pawnee was covered most often (66 times since 2008).
How many flash flood watches does Nebraska get?
Every flash flood watch that covered part of Nebraska. 2026 is an outline: the year is not over.
The numbers
| Year | Count |
|---|---|
| 2026 (through September) | 1 |
| 2025 | 0 |
| 2024 | 0 |
| 2023 | 0 |
| 2022 | 0 |
| 2021 | 4 |
| 2020 | 13 |
| 2019 | 43 |
| 2018 | 33 |
| 2017 | 13 |
| 2016 | 17 |
| 2015 | 32 |
| 2014 | 22 |
| 2013 | 5 |
| 2012 | 7 |
| 2011 | 20 |
| 2010 | 35 |
| 2009 | 11 |
| 2008 | 41 |
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 Nebraska 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 Nebraska?
| County or forecast zone | Since 2008 | Since 2023 | Last issued |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pawnee | 66 | 0 | September 2, 2021 |
| Nemaha | 64 | 0 | September 2, 2021 |
| Otoe | 64 | 0 | September 2, 2021 |
| Richardson | 64 | 0 | September 2, 2021 |
| Gage | 62 | 0 | September 2, 2021 |
| Johnson | 60 | 0 | September 2, 2021 |
| Lancaster | 57 | 0 | September 2, 2021 |
| Cass | 55 | 0 | September 2, 2021 |
| Jefferson | 54 | 0 | September 2, 2021 |
| Saline | 53 | 0 | September 2, 2021 |
| Douglas | 47 | 0 | September 2, 2021 |
| Sarpy | 46 | 0 | September 2, 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 Nebraska.