National Weather ServiceNorth DakotaFlood WatchArchive to October 1, 2026
Flood Watches in North Dakota
The National Weather Service issued 7 flood watches for North Dakota in 2025 and 9 a year on average in 2008-2025; in 2021-2025 it had the 50th most of any state. 2026 through September: 4, 52% below the average of 8 for those months in 2008-2025. Cass was covered most often (39 times since 2008).
How many flood watches does North Dakota get?
Every flood watch that covered part of North Dakota. 2026 is an outline: the year is not over.
The numbers
| Year | Count |
|---|---|
| 2026 (through September) | 4 |
| 2025 | 7 |
| 2024 | 16 |
| 2023 | 1 |
| 2022 | 8 |
| 2021 | 0 |
| 2020 | 0 |
| 2019 | 4 |
| 2018 | 9 |
| 2017 | 2 |
| 2016 | 1 |
| 2015 | 0 |
| 2014 | 10 |
| 2013 | 44 |
| 2012 | 3 |
| 2011 | 19 |
| 2010 | 22 |
| 2009 | 10 |
| 2008 | 5 |
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 Dakota 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 Dakota?
| County or forecast zone | Since 2008 | Since 2023 | Last issued |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cass | 39 | 8 | September 28, 2026 |
| Richland | 37 | 9 | August 18, 2025 |
| Grand Forks | 36 | 9 | April 16, 2026 |
| Eastern Walsh County | 26 | 1 | June 17, 2024 |
| Traill | 22 | 2 | July 4, 2025 |
| Pembina | 21 | 4 | April 17, 2025 |
| Mercer | 21 | 1 | August 14, 2024 |
| Ward | 20 | 0 | August 23, 2014 |
| Ransom | 19 | 3 | September 28, 2026 |
| Stutsman | 18 | 2 | September 28, 2026 |
| Steele | 18 | 2 | July 4, 2025 |
| Barnes | 18 | 3 | September 28, 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 Dakota.