Des Arc, AR Live Doppler Radar
Live radar for Des Arc, Prairie County: every NWS radar combined, rain, snow and ice colors, flash-flood risk, storm tracks and official warnings.
What weather hits Des Arc?
Since 1996, the National Weather Service has logged damaging thunderstorm winds on 87 days in the Prairie forecast zone and Prairie County — the most common reported hazard around Des Arc, mostly in June and May. Next come flooding (55 days) and flash flooding (30 days).
| Hazard | Days reported | Most recent | Worst on record |
|---|---|---|---|
| Damaging thunderstorm winds | 87 | Jun 2025 | Jun 1, 2008 · $100,000 damage |
| Flooding | 55 | Jun 2025 | May 1, 2011 · 1 death · $25 million damage |
| Flash flooding | 30 | Jun 2025 | May 1, 2011 · $325,000 damage |
| Heavy snow & winter storms | 26 | Jan 2026 | Dec 25, 2012 · $1.0 million damage |
| Excessive heat | 10 | Sep 2012 | — |
| Ice storms & sleet | 7 | Feb 2021 | Feb 4, 2014 · $200,000 damage |
| Lightning casualties & damage | 3 | May 2012 | May 30, 2012 · $300,000 damage |
| Hurricanes & tropical storms | 2 | Sep 2008 | Sep 13, 2008 · $375,000 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 Prairie forecast zone and Prairie County; damage is as reported, not adjusted for inflation.
How much snow does Des Arc get?
A normal year brings about 2.3 inches of snow to Des Arc, based on NOAA's 1991–2020 climate normals for the Des Arc weather station in town. The snowiest month is usually February (0.8 in).
| Oct | Nov | Dec | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0.0 | 0.1 | 0.1 | 0.6 | 0.8 | 0.7 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
Normal snowfall in inches. TALON Pro compares this season's snow at your location with these normals as winter goes on.
Which radars cover Des Arc?
The closest NEXRAD Doppler radar is KLZK (Little Rock, AR), about 44 miles west-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 Des Arc | View |
|---|---|---|---|
| KLZK Little Rock, AR | 44 mi west-southwest | 3,000 ft | Good — most storms and steady rain or snow show clearly |
| KNQA Memphis, TN | 96 mi east-northeast | 9,000 ft | Fair — the beam can pass over shallow snow and low-level rotation |
| KSRX Fort Smith, AR | 163 mi west | 20,800 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 Des Arc
Since 1950, NOAA has recorded 116 tornadoes within 25 miles of Des Arc, 41 of them EF2/F2 or stronger. Most came in April and March. The strongest was an F4 on March 21, 1952, which passed about 20 miles north-northwest of town and caused 50 deaths. The most recent was a tornado of unknown strength on June 12, 2025, which touched down about 20 miles south-southwest of town.
Hail: 186 reports of 1-inch or larger hail within 25 miles since 1955, 18 of them 2 inches or more; the largest was 5.00-inch hail on April 2, 2006.
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 Des Arc'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.
Des Arc radar FAQ
Where is the nearest weather radar to Des Arc, AR?
KLZK (Little Rock, AR), about 44 miles west-southwest. KNQA (Memphis, TN) is 96 miles away and also covers the area.
Does radar show snow in Des Arc?
Yes. TALON colors snow blue, a rain–snow mix pink and freezing rain purple using NOAA's precipitation-type analysis. Over Des Arc the lowest scan from KLZK is about 3,000 ft up.
Is TALON's radar for Des Arc 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 Des Arc, follow it right away — see watch vs. warning.
Radar for nearby towns
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