National Weather ServiceWashingtonFlood WatchArchive to October 1, 2026
Flood Watches in Washington
The National Weather Service issued 38 flood watches for Washington in 2025 and 29 a year on average in 2008-2025; in 2021-2025 it had the 14th most of any state. 2026 through September: 23, 19% above the average of 19 for those months in 2008-2025. Mason was covered most often (184 times since 2008).
How many flood watches does Washington get?
Every flood watch that covered part of Washington. 2026 is an outline: the year is not over.
The numbers
| Year | Count |
|---|---|
| 2026 (through September) | 23 |
| 2025 | 38 |
| 2024 | 21 |
| 2023 | 34 |
| 2022 | 43 |
| 2021 | 28 |
| 2020 | 29 |
| 2019 | 16 |
| 2018 | 25 |
| 2017 | 62 |
| 2016 | 32 |
| 2015 | 22 |
| 2014 | 29 |
| 2013 | 16 |
| 2012 | 34 |
| 2011 | 43 |
| 2010 | 18 |
| 2009 | 19 |
| 2008 | 19 |
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 Washington 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 Washington?
| County or forecast zone | Since 2008 | Since 2023 | Last issued |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mason | 184 | 37 | March 18, 2026 |
| Snohomish | 85 | 8 | March 18, 2026 |
| Grays Harbor | 85 | 8 | March 13, 2026 |
| King | 82 | 8 | March 18, 2026 |
| Whatcom | 79 | 6 | March 18, 2026 |
| Lewis | 78 | 10 | March 13, 2026 |
| Clallam | 76 | 8 | January 12, 2026 |
| Skagit | 72 | 8 | March 18, 2026 |
| Thurston | 71 | 8 | March 13, 2026 |
| Pierce | 68 | 6 | December 15, 2025 |
| Jefferson | 66 | 3 | December 15, 2025 |
| Okanogan | 62 | 19 | September 13, 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 Washington.