National Weather ServiceWashingtonFlash Flood WatchArchive to October 1, 2026
Flash Flood Watches in Washington
The National Weather Service issued 5 flash flood watches for Washington in 2025 and 5 a year on average in 2008-2025; in 2021-2025 it had the 24th most of any state. 2026 through September: 2, 53% below the average of 4 for those months in 2008-2025. Okanogan was covered most often (28 times since 2008).
How many flash flood watches does Washington get?
Every flash flood watch that covered part of Washington. 2026 is an outline: the year is not over.
The numbers
| Year | Count |
|---|---|
| 2026 (through September) | 2 |
| 2025 | 5 |
| 2024 | 6 |
| 2023 | 0 |
| 2022 | 6 |
| 2021 | 7 |
| 2020 | 3 |
| 2019 | 5 |
| 2018 | 4 |
| 2017 | 5 |
| 2016 | 2 |
| 2015 | 10 |
| 2014 | 9 |
| 2013 | 10 |
| 2012 | 4 |
| 2011 | 0 |
| 2010 | 6 |
| 2009 | 4 |
| 2008 | 0 |
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 Washington 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 Washington?
| County or forecast zone | Since 2008 | Since 2023 | Last issued |
|---|---|---|---|
| Okanogan | 28 | 3 | August 1, 2025 |
| Chelan | 25 | 3 | August 1, 2025 |
| East Slopes Northern Cascades | 13 | 0 | July 22, 2016 |
| Douglas | 12 | 0 | June 2, 2022 |
| Ferry | 12 | 2 | August 1, 2025 |
| Okanogan Valley | 11 | 0 | July 22, 2016 |
| Stevens | 11 | 2 | August 1, 2025 |
| East Slopes of the Washington Cascades | 10 | 0 | May 30, 2020 |
| Pend Oreille | 10 | 0 | September 29, 2022 |
| Northwest Blue Mountains | 8 | 1 | September 13, 2026 |
| Spokane | 8 | 2 | September 13, 2026 |
| Wenatchee Area | 8 | 0 | July 22, 2016 |
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 Washington.