National Weather ServiceWisconsinFlood WatchArchive to October 1, 2026
Flood Watches in Wisconsin
The National Weather Service issued 34 flood watches for Wisconsin in 2025 and 31 a year on average in 2008-2025; in 2021-2025 it had the 13th most of any state. 2026 through September: 66, 133% above the average of 28 for those months in 2008-2025. Rock was covered most often (91 times since 2008).
How many flood watches does Wisconsin get?
Every flood watch that covered part of Wisconsin. 2026 is an outline: the year is not over.
The numbers
| Year | Count |
|---|---|
| 2026 (through September) | 66 |
| 2025 | 34 |
| 2024 | 74 |
| 2023 | 34 |
| 2022 | 15 |
| 2021 | 7 |
| 2020 | 27 |
| 2019 | 24 |
| 2018 | 46 |
| 2017 | 15 |
| 2016 | 14 |
| 2015 | 13 |
| 2014 | 25 |
| 2013 | 41 |
| 2012 | 4 |
| 2011 | 22 |
| 2010 | 48 |
| 2009 | 42 |
| 2008 | 68 |
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 Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin?
| County or forecast zone | Since 2008 | Since 2023 | Last issued |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rock | 91 | 21 | September 20, 2026 |
| Jefferson | 84 | 25 | September 19, 2026 |
| Kenosha | 80 | 20 | September 20, 2026 |
| Green | 74 | 17 | September 20, 2026 |
| Sauk | 63 | 24 | September 19, 2026 |
| Racine | 56 | 12 | September 20, 2026 |
| Columbia | 52 | 23 | September 19, 2026 |
| Crawford | 50 | 31 | September 21, 2026 |
| Trempealeau | 45 | 24 | September 19, 2026 |
| Lafayette | 45 | 12 | September 19, 2026 |
| Buffalo | 45 | 20 | September 19, 2026 |
| Vernon | 41 | 23 | September 19, 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 Wisconsin.