National Weather ServiceMichiganFlood WatchArchive to October 1, 2026
Flood Watches in Michigan
The National Weather Service issued 5 flood watches for Michigan in 2025 and 15 a year on average in 2008-2025; in 2021-2025 it had the 42nd most of any state. 2026 through September: 32, 143% above the average of 13 for those months in 2008-2025. Kalamazoo was covered most often (56 times since 2008).
How many flood watches does Michigan get?
Every flood watch that covered part of Michigan. 2026 is an outline: the year is not over.
The numbers
| Year | Count |
|---|---|
| 2026 (through September) | 32 |
| 2025 | 5 |
| 2024 | 11 |
| 2023 | 21 |
| 2022 | 12 |
| 2021 | 6 |
| 2020 | 15 |
| 2019 | 24 |
| 2018 | 17 |
| 2017 | 26 |
| 2016 | 10 |
| 2015 | 2 |
| 2014 | 9 |
| 2013 | 27 |
| 2012 | 2 |
| 2011 | 16 |
| 2010 | 20 |
| 2009 | 26 |
| 2008 | 19 |
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 Michigan 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 Michigan?
| County or forecast zone | Since 2008 | Since 2023 | Last issued |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kalamazoo | 56 | 8 | September 19, 2026 |
| Kent | 55 | 13 | April 12, 2026 |
| Ottawa | 52 | 9 | April 12, 2026 |
| Clinton | 52 | 10 | June 17, 2026 |
| Allegan | 52 | 9 | September 19, 2026 |
| Wayne | 51 | 12 | August 2, 2026 |
| Barry | 51 | 9 | September 19, 2026 |
| Ingham | 50 | 8 | June 17, 2026 |
| Oakland | 49 | 13 | August 2, 2026 |
| Macomb | 49 | 13 | August 2, 2026 |
| Eaton | 49 | 8 | June 17, 2026 |
| Washtenaw | 48 | 11 | August 2, 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 Michigan.