Flood Watches vs. Warnings

Emily Fay

April 1, 2025

Severe weather is stressful. Trying to figure out the difference between a watch and a warning during severe weather is even more stressful. Avoid the stress and review the differences between headlines the National Weather Service (NWS) may issue during potential flooding.

Flash Flood Emergency: Take Action!

• A Flash Flood Emergency is issued for exceedingly rare situations when a severe threat to human life and catastrophic damage from a flash flood is happening or will happen soon.
• This is a life-threatening situation! Do not attempt to travel unless you are fleeing an area subject to flooding or under an evacuation order.

Flash Flood Warning: Take Action!

• Flash Flood Warnings are urgent messages as dangerous flooding can develop very rapidly, with a serious threat to life and/or property. Flash Flood Warnings are usually issued minutes to hours before the onset of flooding.
• If you are in a flood-prone area, move immediately to high ground. A flash flood is a sudden, violent flood that can take from minutes to hours to develop. It is even possible to experience a flash flood in areas not immediately receiving rain.

Flood Warning: Take Action!

• Flood Warnings are issued when flooding is about to happen or is already happening. Based on forecast conditions, they may be issued hours to days before the onset of flooding.

Flood Advisory: Be Aware.

• A Flood Advisory is issued when flooding is not expected to be bad enough to issue a warning. However, it may cause significant inconvenience, and if caution is not exercised, it could lead to situations that may threaten life and/or property.

Flood Watch: Be Prepared.

• A Flood Watch is issued when conditions are favorable for flooding. It does not mean flooding will occur, but it is possible. A Flood Watch is typically issued several hours to days before the onset of potential flooding.

Stay Weather Aware

Stay weather aware by monitoring local weather outlets, the National Weather Service (NWS), and listen to your NOAA Weather Radio for alerts. Residents can sign up for LexAlerts to receive notifications from Lexington-Fayette County Emergency Management. The free system will send notifications to email, text messages, voice messages to cell and landline phones, and messages to assisted listening devices. Sign up for LexAlerts here.