National Weather ServiceNew YorkFlood WatchArchive to October 1, 2026
Flood Watches in New York
The National Weather Service issued 33 flood watches for New York in 2025 and 26 a year on average in 2008-2025; in 2021-2025 it had the 17th most of any state. 2026 through September: 25, 17% above the average of 21 for those months in 2008-2025. Eastern Ulster was covered most often (89 times since 2008).
How many flood watches does New York get?
Every flood watch that covered part of New York. 2026 is an outline: the year is not over.
The numbers
| Year | Count |
|---|---|
| 2026 (through September) | 25 |
| 2025 | 33 |
| 2024 | 33 |
| 2023 | 55 |
| 2022 | 24 |
| 2021 | 7 |
| 2020 | 12 |
| 2019 | 14 |
| 2018 | 27 |
| 2017 | 21 |
| 2016 | 3 |
| 2015 | 16 |
| 2014 | 28 |
| 2013 | 25 |
| 2012 | 8 |
| 2011 | 56 |
| 2010 | 32 |
| 2009 | 21 |
| 2008 | 47 |
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 New York 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 New York?
| County or forecast zone | Since 2008 | Since 2023 | Last issued |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eastern Ulster | 89 | 22 | August 27, 2026 |
| Eastern Dutchess | 87 | 23 | August 27, 2026 |
| Western Ulster | 86 | 21 | August 27, 2026 |
| Western Dutchess | 85 | 23 | August 27, 2026 |
| Rockland | 77 | 32 | August 27, 2026 |
| Northern Washington | 76 | 15 | July 28, 2026 |
| Western Greene | 75 | 16 | July 28, 2026 |
| Southern Westchester | 75 | 33 | September 13, 2026 |
| Northern Westchester | 73 | 31 | August 27, 2026 |
| Western Essex | 72 | 17 | July 29, 2026 |
| Southern Washington | 71 | 15 | July 28, 2026 |
| Southern Herkimer | 71 | 11 | March 31, 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 New York.