National Weather ServiceOhioFlood WatchArchive to October 1, 2026
Flood Watches in Ohio
The National Weather Service issued 27 flood watches for Ohio in 2025 and 31 a year on average in 2008-2025; in 2021-2025 it had the 22nd most of any state. 2026 through September: 66, 139% above the average of 28 for those months in 2008-2025. Jefferson was covered most often (106 times since 2008).
How many flood watches does Ohio get?
Every flood watch that covered part of Ohio. 2026 is an outline: the year is not over.
The numbers
| Year | Count |
|---|---|
| 2026 (through September) | 66 |
| 2025 | 27 |
| 2024 | 37 |
| 2023 | 18 |
| 2022 | 42 |
| 2021 | 6 |
| 2020 | 6 |
| 2019 | 24 |
| 2018 | 70 |
| 2017 | 15 |
| 2016 | 4 |
| 2015 | 24 |
| 2014 | 13 |
| 2013 | 33 |
| 2012 | 10 |
| 2011 | 97 |
| 2010 | 42 |
| 2009 | 24 |
| 2008 | 57 |
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 Ohio 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 Ohio?
| County or forecast zone | Since 2008 | Since 2023 | Last issued |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jefferson | 106 | 29 | September 20, 2026 |
| Belmont | 94 | 28 | September 20, 2026 |
| Gallia | 93 | 33 | September 21, 2026 |
| Columbiana | 92 | 23 | September 20, 2026 |
| Lawrence | 90 | 33 | September 21, 2026 |
| Meigs | 86 | 30 | September 21, 2026 |
| Washington | 83 | 29 | September 21, 2026 |
| Athens | 81 | 29 | September 21, 2026 |
| Defiance | 80 | 9 | August 11, 2026 |
| Jackson | 77 | 28 | September 21, 2026 |
| Vinton | 76 | 29 | September 21, 2026 |
| Coshocton | 76 | 17 | September 20, 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 Ohio.