Houston, AK Live Doppler Radar
Live radar for Houston, Matanuska-Susitna County: every NWS radar combined, rain, snow and ice colors, flash-flood risk, storm tracks and official warnings.
What weather hits Houston?
Since 1996, the National Weather Service has logged high winds on 2 days in the Lower Matanuska Valley forecast zone and Matanuska-Susitna County — the most common reported hazard around Houston, mostly in February and August. Next come heavy snow & winter storms (1 days).
| Hazard | Days reported | Most recent | Worst on record |
|---|---|---|---|
| High winds | 2 | Feb 2026 | — |
| Heavy snow & winter storms | 1 | 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 Lower Matanuska Valley forecast zone and Matanuska-Susitna County; damage is as reported, not adjusted for inflation.
Which radars cover Houston?
The closest NEXRAD Doppler radar is PAHG (Kenai, AK), about 81 miles 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 Houston | View |
|---|---|---|---|
| PAHG Kenai, AK | 81 mi southwest | 7,000 ft | Fair — the beam can pass over shallow snow and low-level rotation |
| PAIH Middleton Island, AK | 191 mi southeast | 27,100 ft | Limited — the beam overshoots the lowest part of storms |
| PAPD Pedro Dome, AK | 247 mi north-northeast | 41,700 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 Houston
NOAA has no tornado on record within 25 miles of Houston since 1950.
Hail: 1 report of 1-inch or larger hail within 25 miles since 1955; the largest was 1.00-inch hail on August 18, 2015.
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 Houston'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.
Houston radar FAQ
Where is the nearest weather radar to Houston, AK?
PAHG (Kenai, AK), about 81 miles southwest. PAIH (Middleton Island, AK) is 191 miles away and also covers the area.
Can radar see a tornado near Houston?
Radar can't see the tornado itself, but it shows the rotating storm and, once debris is lofted, a debris signature. Over Houston the lowest scan from PAHG is about 7,000 ft up — fair — the beam can pass over shallow snow and low-level rotation.
Is TALON's radar for Houston 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 Houston, follow it right away — see watch vs. warning.
Radar for nearby towns
- Wasilla, AK radar 11 mi
- Palmer, AK radar 23 mi
- Anchorage, AK radar 35 mi