National Weather ServiceWest VirginiaFlood WatchArchive to October 1, 2026
Flood Watches in West Virginia
The National Weather Service issued 71 flood watches for West Virginia in 2025 and 33 a year on average in 2008-2025; in 2021-2025 it had the 8th most of any state. 2026 through September: 51, 68% above the average of 30 for those months in 2008-2025. Jefferson was covered most often (142 times since 2008).
How many flood watches does West Virginia get?
Every flood watch that covered part of West Virginia. 2026 is an outline: the year is not over.
The numbers
| Year | Count |
|---|---|
| 2026 (through September) | 51 |
| 2025 | 71 |
| 2024 | 62 |
| 2023 | 17 |
| 2022 | 52 |
| 2021 | 25 |
| 2020 | 20 |
| 2019 | 24 |
| 2018 | 91 |
| 2017 | 7 |
| 2016 | 16 |
| 2015 | 18 |
| 2014 | 15 |
| 2013 | 14 |
| 2012 | 11 |
| 2011 | 59 |
| 2010 | 34 |
| 2009 | 22 |
| 2008 | 43 |
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 West Virginia 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 West Virginia?
| County or forecast zone | Since 2008 | Since 2023 | Last issued |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jefferson | 142 | 38 | July 9, 2026 |
| Berkeley | 118 | 32 | July 9, 2026 |
| Hancock | 96 | 27 | September 20, 2026 |
| Mason | 91 | 32 | September 21, 2026 |
| Braxton | 90 | 38 | September 21, 2026 |
| Marshall | 89 | 29 | September 20, 2026 |
| Lewis | 89 | 38 | September 21, 2026 |
| Cabell | 89 | 33 | September 21, 2026 |
| Barbour | 89 | 38 | September 21, 2026 |
| Upshur | 88 | 38 | September 21, 2026 |
| Roane | 88 | 34 | September 21, 2026 |
| Kanawha | 88 | 34 | September 21, 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 West Virginia.