National Weather ServicePennsylvaniaFlood WatchArchive to October 1, 2026
Flood Watches in Pennsylvania
The National Weather Service issued 59 flood watches for Pennsylvania in 2025 and 33 a year on average in 2008-2025; in 2021-2025 it had the 10th most of any state. 2026 through September: 56, 92% above the average of 29 for those months in 2008-2025. Allegheny was covered most often (148 times since 2008).
How many flood watches does Pennsylvania get?
Every flood watch that covered part of Pennsylvania. 2026 is an outline: the year is not over.
The numbers
| Year | Count |
|---|---|
| 2026 (through September) | 56 |
| 2025 | 59 |
| 2024 | 37 |
| 2023 | 37 |
| 2022 | 37 |
| 2021 | 17 |
| 2020 | 8 |
| 2019 | 17 |
| 2018 | 69 |
| 2017 | 10 |
| 2016 | 4 |
| 2015 | 17 |
| 2014 | 29 |
| 2013 | 24 |
| 2012 | 16 |
| 2011 | 74 |
| 2010 | 70 |
| 2009 | 18 |
| 2008 | 46 |
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 Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania?
| County or forecast zone | Since 2008 | Since 2023 | Last issued |
|---|---|---|---|
| Allegheny | 148 | 32 | September 20, 2026 |
| Westmoreland | 133 | 33 | September 20, 2026 |
| Fayette | 119 | 35 | September 20, 2026 |
| Philadelphia | 107 | 40 | September 13, 2026 |
| Delaware | 104 | 40 | September 13, 2026 |
| Washington | 103 | 29 | September 20, 2026 |
| Beaver | 91 | 25 | September 20, 2026 |
| Northampton | 89 | 33 | August 27, 2026 |
| Lehigh | 87 | 34 | August 27, 2026 |
| Lancaster | 81 | 31 | September 3, 2026 |
| Berks | 81 | 35 | August 27, 2026 |
| York | 80 | 29 | September 3, 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 Pennsylvania.