National Weather ServiceKentuckyFlood WatchArchive to October 1, 2026
Flood Watches in Kentucky
The National Weather Service issued 43 flood watches for Kentucky in 2025 and 20 a year on average in 2008-2025; in 2021-2025 it had the 12th most of any state. 2026 through September: 59, 237% above the average of 18 for those months in 2008-2025. Lawrence was covered most often (85 times since 2008).
How many flood watches does Kentucky get?
Every flood watch that covered part of Kentucky. 2026 is an outline: the year is not over.
The numbers
| Year | Count |
|---|---|
| 2026 (through September) | 59 |
| 2025 | 43 |
| 2024 | 34 |
| 2023 | 31 |
| 2022 | 53 |
| 2021 | 7 |
| 2020 | 6 |
| 2019 | 26 |
| 2018 | 32 |
| 2017 | 0 |
| 2016 | 6 |
| 2015 | 27 |
| 2014 | 8 |
| 2013 | 17 |
| 2012 | 7 |
| 2011 | 25 |
| 2010 | 5 |
| 2009 | 11 |
| 2008 | 21 |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lawrence | 85 | 31 | September 23, 2026 |
| Boyd | 85 | 31 | September 12, 2026 |
| Greenup | 84 | 31 | September 12, 2026 |
| Carter | 82 | 31 | September 12, 2026 |
| Whitley | 75 | 24 | September 23, 2026 |
| Clay | 75 | 26 | September 23, 2026 |
| McCreary | 74 | 23 | August 10, 2026 |
| Laurel | 74 | 25 | September 23, 2026 |
| Knox | 74 | 25 | September 23, 2026 |
| Perry | 73 | 24 | September 23, 2026 |
| Leslie | 73 | 24 | September 23, 2026 |
| Letcher | 72 | 24 | September 23, 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.
What is a flood watch?
A flood watch means conditions may lead to flooding in the coming day or days; it is not yet happening. 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 Kentucky.