National Weather ServiceNorth CarolinaFlood WatchArchive to October 1, 2026
Flood Watches in North Carolina
The National Weather Service issued 43 flood watches for North Carolina in 2025 and 20 a year on average in 2008-2025; in 2021-2025 it had the 15th most of any state. 2026 through September: 24, 47% above the average of 16 for those months in 2008-2025. Watauga was covered most often (78 times since 2008).
How many flood watches does North Carolina get?
Every flood watch that covered part of North Carolina. 2026 is an outline: the year is not over.
The numbers
| Year | Count |
|---|---|
| 2026 (through September) | 24 |
| 2025 | 43 |
| 2024 | 67 |
| 2023 | 25 |
| 2022 | 21 |
| 2021 | 6 |
| 2020 | 14 |
| 2019 | 9 |
| 2018 | 18 |
| 2017 | 9 |
| 2016 | 6 |
| 2015 | 26 |
| 2014 | 19 |
| 2013 | 24 |
| 2012 | 11 |
| 2011 | 15 |
| 2010 | 17 |
| 2009 | 26 |
| 2008 | 7 |
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 North Carolina 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 North Carolina?
| County or forecast zone | Since 2008 | Since 2023 | Last issued |
|---|---|---|---|
| Watauga | 78 | 23 | August 11, 2026 |
| Ashe | 78 | 23 | August 11, 2026 |
| Alleghany | 77 | 22 | August 11, 2026 |
| Surry | 76 | 23 | August 2, 2026 |
| Wilkes | 74 | 20 | August 2, 2026 |
| Stokes | 56 | 25 | August 2, 2026 |
| Yadkin | 53 | 19 | August 2, 2026 |
| Transylvania | 53 | 10 | July 23, 2026 |
| Southern Jackson | 52 | 10 | July 23, 2026 |
| Macon | 50 | 9 | July 23, 2026 |
| Pamlico | 49 | 24 | August 21, 2026 |
| Clay | 49 | 16 | July 22, 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 North Carolina.