Ray, AL Live Doppler Radar
Live radar for Ray, Coosa County: every NWS radar combined, rain, snow and ice colors, flash-flood risk, storm tracks and official warnings.
What weather hits Ray?
Since 1996, the National Weather Service has logged damaging thunderstorm winds on 50 days in the Coosa forecast zone and Coosa County — the most common reported hazard around Ray, mostly in August and June. Next come heavy snow & winter storms (8 days) and excessive heat (6 days).
| Hazard | Days reported | Most recent | Worst on record |
|---|---|---|---|
| Damaging thunderstorm winds | 50 | Jun 2026 | Jun 15, 1998 · $40,000 damage |
| Heavy snow & winter storms | 8 | Dec 2017 | Dec 18, 1996 · $35,000 damage |
| Excessive heat | 6 | Aug 2023 | — |
| Extreme cold & wind chill | 4 | Jan 2014 | Mar 7, 1996 · $1.0 million damage |
| Flash flooding | 4 | Mar 2023 | Mar 9, 2011 · $75,000 damage |
| Hurricanes & tropical storms | 3 | Oct 2020 | Jul 10, 2005 · $80,000 damage |
| Ice storms & sleet | 1 | Jan 2011 | — |
| Lightning casualties & damage | 1 | Aug 2013 | — |
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 Coosa forecast zone and Coosa County; damage is as reported, not adjusted for inflation.
Which radars cover Ray?
The closest NEXRAD Doppler radar is KMXX (Maxwell AFB, AL), about 27 miles south-southeast. 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 Ray | View |
|---|---|---|---|
| KMXX Maxwell AFB, AL | 27 mi south-southeast | 1,600 ft | Excellent — the lowest scan sees close to the ground |
| KBMX Birmingham, AL | 47 mi west-northwest | 3,300 ft | Good — most storms and steady rain or snow show clearly |
| KFFC Atlanta, GA | 92 mi east-northeast | 8,500 ft | Fair — the beam can pass over shallow snow and low-level rotation |
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 Ray
Since 1950, NOAA has recorded 97 tornadoes within 25 miles of Ray, 27 of them EF2/F2 or stronger. Most came in March and April. The strongest was an EF4 on April 27, 2011, which passed about 11 miles south-southeast of town and caused 7 deaths. The most recent was an EF1 on March 15, 2025, which passed about 16 miles northwest of town.
Hail: 163 reports of 1-inch or larger hail within 25 miles since 1955, 17 of them 2 inches or more; the largest was 3.00-inch hail on March 26, 2011.
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 Ray'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.
Ray radar FAQ
Where is the nearest weather radar to Ray, AL?
KMXX (Maxwell AFB, AL), about 27 miles south-southeast. KBMX (Birmingham, AL) is 47 miles away and also covers the area.
Does radar show snow in Ray?
Yes. TALON colors snow blue, a rain–snow mix pink and freezing rain purple using NOAA's precipitation-type analysis. Over Ray the lowest scan from KMXX is about 1,600 ft up.
Is TALON's radar for Ray 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 Ray, follow it right away — see watch vs. warning.
Radar for nearby towns
- Alexander City, AL radar 7 mi
- Goodwater, AL radar 13 mi
- Eclectic, AL radar 16 mi
- Dadeville, AL radar 16 mi
- Wetumpka, AL radar 25 mi
- Tallassee, AL radar 25 mi
- Sylacauga, AL radar 26 mi
- Elmore, AL radar 28 mi
- Deatsville, AL radar 28 mi
- Ashland, AL radar 30 mi