Sitka, AK Live Doppler Radar
Live radar for Sitka, Sitka County: every NWS radar combined, rain, snow and ice colors, flash-flood risk, storm tracks and official warnings.
What weather hits Sitka?
Since 1996, the National Weather Service has logged river or areal flooding on 13 days in the City and Borough of Sitka forecast zone and Sitka County — the most common reported hazard around Sitka, mostly in May and June. Next come high winds (9 days) and heavy snow & winter storms (2 days).
| Hazard | Days reported | Most recent | Worst on record |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flooding | 13 | Jun 2023 | May 9, 2009 · $7.2 million damage |
| High winds | 9 | Jan 2026 | — |
| Heavy snow & winter storms | 2 | Feb 2024 | — |
| Flash flooding | 1 | Jul 2008 | Jul 8, 2008 · $2,000 damage |
| Damaging thunderstorm winds | 1 | Jul 2023 | — |
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 City and Borough of Sitka forecast zone and Sitka County; damage is as reported, not adjusted for inflation.
Which radars cover Sitka?
The closest NEXRAD Doppler radar is PACG (Biorka Island, AK), about 24 miles south-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 Sitka | View |
|---|---|---|---|
| PACG Biorka Island, AK | 24 mi south-southwest | 1,400 ft | Excellent — the lowest scan sees close to the ground |
| PAIH Middleton Island, AK | 426 mi west-northwest | 110,500 ft | Limited — the beam overshoots the lowest part of storms |
| PAHG Kenai, AK | 620 mi west-northwest | 220,400 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 Sitka
NOAA has no tornado on record within 25 miles of Sitka 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 Sitka'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.
Sitka radar FAQ
Where is the nearest weather radar to Sitka, AK?
PACG (Biorka Island, AK), about 24 miles south-southwest. PAIH (Middleton Island, AK) is 426 miles away and also covers the area.
How often does Sitka flood?
Since 1996 the National Weather Service has logged river or areal flooding on 13 days in the City and Borough of Sitka forecast zone and Sitka County. TALON's free flash-flood risk layer shows, every 2 minutes, how close the rain that has fallen is to what it takes to flood — turn it on under Layers.
Is TALON's radar for Sitka 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 Sitka, follow it right away — see watch vs. warning.