Central, AK Live Doppler Radar
Live radar for Central, Yukon-Koyukuk County: every NWS radar combined, rain, snow and ice colors, flash-flood risk, storm tracks and official warnings.
What weather hits Central?
Since 1996, the National Weather Service has logged heavy snow or a winter storm on 8 days in the White Mountains and High Terrain South of the Yukon River forecast zone and Yukon-Koyukuk County — the most common reported hazard around Central, mostly in February and January. Next come blizzards (5 days).
| Hazard | Days reported | Most recent | Worst on record |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heavy snow & winter storms | 8 | Feb 2026 | — |
| Blizzards | 5 | Jan 2026 | — |
Source: NOAA NCEI Storm Events Database, 1996–2026 (the latest year is partial). A "day" is a date with at least one report in the White Mountains and High Terrain South of the Yukon River forecast zone and Yukon-Koyukuk County; damage is as reported, not adjusted for inflation.
Which radars cover Central?
The closest NEXRAD Doppler radar is PAPD (Pedro Dome, AK), about 90 miles west-southwest. Radar beams climb as they travel, so the height of the lowest scan over town decides how low in a storm the radar can see.
| Radar | Distance | Lowest beam over Central | View |
|---|---|---|---|
| PAPD Pedro Dome, AK | 90 mi west-southwest | 8,100 ft | Fair — the beam can pass over shallow snow and low-level rotation |
| PAHG Kenai, AK | 392 mi southwest | 94,900 ft | Limited — the beam overshoots the lowest part of storms |
| PAIH Middleton Island, AK | 422 mi south | 108,500 ft | Limited — the beam overshoots the lowest part of storms |
Beam height is the center of the 0.5° scan above the radar, with standard refraction. Mountains near a radar can block it further.
Tornado & hail history near Central
NOAA has no tornado on record within 25 miles of Central since 1950.
Source: NOAA Storm Prediction Center — tornadoes 1950–2025, hail 1955–2025. Distances are to each tornado's track; ratings before February 2007 use the original Fujita scale.
On TALON you get Central's live radar loop, rain/snow/ice colors, flash-flood risk, storm tracks with arrival times and NWS warnings free; close-up radar and rotation detection are part of TALON Pro.
Central radar FAQ
Where is the nearest weather radar to Central, AK?
PAPD (Pedro Dome, AK), about 90 miles west-southwest. PAHG (Kenai, AK) is 392 miles away and also covers the area.
Does radar show snow in Central?
Yes. TALON colors snow blue, a rain–snow mix pink and freezing rain purple using NOAA's precipitation-type analysis. Over Central the lowest scan from PAPD is about 8,100 ft up, so light snow from shallow clouds can be under-shown — check NWS winter alerts too.
Is TALON's radar for Central free?
Yes — the US radar loop, rain/snow/ice colors, flash-flood risk, storm tracks and NWS warnings are free in any browser. Close-up radar, rotation detection and longer forecasts are part of TALON Pro.
Should I rely on radar for my safety?
No app replaces official warnings. When the National Weather Service issues a warning for Central, follow it right away — see watch vs. warning.