Vina, AL Live Doppler Radar
Live radar for Vina, Franklin County: every NWS radar combined, rain, snow and ice colors, flash-flood risk, storm tracks and official warnings.
What weather hits Vina?
Since 1996, the National Weather Service has logged damaging thunderstorm winds on 139 days in the Franklin forecast zone and Franklin County — the most common reported hazard around Vina, mostly in June and July. Next come excessive heat (63 days) and flash flooding (28 days).
| Hazard | Days reported | Most recent | Worst on record |
|---|---|---|---|
| Damaging thunderstorm winds | 139 | Apr 2026 | May 25, 2011 · $210,000 damage |
| Excessive heat | 63 | Aug 2025 | Jun 14, 2010 · 1 death |
| Flash flooding | 28 | Sep 2025 | Jan 7, 1998 · $30,000 damage |
| Heavy snow & winter storms | 20 | Jan 2025 | Feb 16, 1996 · $15,000 damage |
| Extreme cold & wind chill | 18 | Feb 2026 | Mar 7, 1996 · $1.0 million damage |
| High winds | 7 | Mar 2023 | Jan 18, 1996 · $20,000 damage |
| Lightning casualties & damage | 6 | Jun 2025 | Apr 20, 2011 · $25,000 damage |
| Ice storms & sleet | 5 | Jan 2024 | Dec 23, 1998 · $800,000 damage |
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 Franklin forecast zone and Franklin County; damage is as reported, not adjusted for inflation.
Which radars cover Vina?
The closest NEXRAD Doppler radar is KGWX (Columbus AFB, MS), about 37 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 Vina | View |
|---|---|---|---|
| KGWX Columbus AFB, MS | 37 mi south-southwest | 2,300 ft | Excellent — the lowest scan sees close to the ground |
| KBMX Birmingham, AL | 111 mi southeast | 11,300 ft | Limited — the beam overshoots the lowest part of storms |
| KHTX Huntsville, AL | 119 mi east-northeast | 12,500 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 Vina
Since 1950, NOAA has recorded 89 tornadoes within 25 miles of Vina, 33 of them EF2/F2 or stronger. Most came in April and March. The strongest was an EF5 on April 27, 2011, which passed about 14 miles south-southeast of town and caused 72 deaths. The most recent was an EF1 on April 5, 2025, which passed about 17 miles northwest of town.
Hail: 222 reports of 1-inch or larger hail within 25 miles since 1955, 21 of them 2 inches or more; the largest was 4.50-inch hail on May 27, 1996.
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 Vina'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.
Vina radar FAQ
Where is the nearest weather radar to Vina, AL?
KGWX (Columbus AFB, MS), about 37 miles south-southwest. KBMX (Birmingham, AL) is 111 miles away and also covers the area.
Does radar show snow in Vina?
Yes. TALON colors snow blue, a rain–snow mix pink and freezing rain purple using NOAA's precipitation-type analysis. Over Vina the lowest scan from KGWX is about 2,300 ft up.
Is TALON's radar for Vina 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 Vina, follow it right away — see watch vs. warning.
Radar for nearby towns
- Red Bay, AL radar 6 mi
- Hackleburg, AL radar 15 mi
- Hamilton, AL radar 17 mi
- Russellville, AL radar 21 mi
- Bear Creek, AL radar 22 mi
- Littleville, AL radar 27 mi
- Haleyville, AL radar 27 mi
- Guin, AL radar 29 mi
- Tuscumbia, AL radar 31 mi
- Sheffield, AL radar 33 mi