Sterling, AK Live Doppler Radar
Live radar for Sterling, Kenai Peninsula County: every NWS radar combined, rain, snow and ice colors, flash-flood risk, storm tracks and official warnings.
Which radars cover Sterling?
The closest NEXRAD Doppler radar is PAHG (Kenai, AK), about 22 miles northwest. 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 Sterling | View |
|---|---|---|---|
| PAHG Kenai, AK | 22 mi northwest | 1,300 ft | Excellent — the lowest scan sees close to the ground |
| PAIH Middleton Island, AK | 173 mi east-southeast | 22,900 ft | Limited — the beam overshoots the lowest part of storms |
| PAKC King Salmon, AK | 241 mi west-southwest | 40,100 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 Sterling
NOAA has no tornado on record within 25 miles of Sterling 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 Sterling'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.
Sterling radar FAQ
Where is the nearest weather radar to Sterling, AK?
PAHG (Kenai, AK), about 22 miles northwest. PAIH (Middleton Island, AK) is 173 miles away and also covers the area.
Can radar see a tornado near Sterling?
Radar can't see the tornado itself, but it shows the rotating storm and, once debris is lofted, a debris signature. Over Sterling the lowest scan from PAHG is about 1,300 ft up — excellent — the lowest scan sees close to the ground.
Is TALON's radar for Sterling 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 Sterling, follow it right away — see watch vs. warning.
Radar for nearby towns
- Soldotna, AK radar 10 mi
- Kenai, AK radar 14 mi
- Seward, AK radar 56 mi