Franklin, AR Live Doppler Radar
Live radar for Franklin, Izard County: every NWS radar combined, rain, snow and ice colors, flash-flood risk, storm tracks and official warnings.
What weather hits Franklin?
Since 1996, the National Weather Service has logged damaging thunderstorm winds on 74 days in the Izard forecast zone and Izard County — the most common reported hazard around Franklin, mostly in July and August. Next come heavy snow & winter storms (35 days) and flash flooding (21 days).
| Hazard | Days reported | Most recent | Worst on record |
|---|---|---|---|
| Damaging thunderstorm winds | 74 | May 2022 | Apr 10, 2013 · $1.8 million damage |
| Heavy snow & winter storms | 35 | Jan 2025 | Dec 25, 2012 · $1.0 million damage |
| Flash flooding | 21 | Feb 2023 | Mar 18, 2008 · $1.0 million damage |
| Flooding | 14 | Apr 2025 | Mar 18, 2008 · $12 million damage |
| Excessive heat | 7 | Aug 2012 | — |
| Ice storms & sleet | 5 | Feb 2014 | Jan 26, 2009 · $50 million damage |
| Wildfires | 4 | Apr 2011 | — |
| Lightning casualties & damage | 4 | Aug 2011 | Jun 20, 2008 · $100,000 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 Izard forecast zone and Izard County; damage is as reported, not adjusted for inflation.
How much snow does Franklin get?
A normal year brings about 6.7 inches of snow to Franklin, based on NOAA's 1991–2020 climate normals for the Evening Shade 1 Nne weather station 10.7 miles away. The snowiest month is usually February (2.6 in).
| Oct | Nov | Dec | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0.1 | 0.0 | 0.7 | 1.8 | 2.6 | 1.4 | 0.1 | 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 Franklin?
The closest NEXRAD Doppler radar is KLZK (Little Rock, AR), about 96 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 Franklin | View |
|---|---|---|---|
| KLZK Little Rock, AR | 96 mi south-southwest | 9,100 ft | Fair — the beam can pass over shallow snow and low-level rotation |
| KSGF Springfield, MO | 116 mi northwest | 12,100 ft | Limited — the beam overshoots the lowest part of storms |
| KNQA Memphis, TN | 121 mi east-southeast | 12,900 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 Franklin
Since 1950, NOAA has recorded 68 tornadoes within 25 miles of Franklin, 26 of them EF2/F2 or stronger. Most came in March and April. The strongest was an EF4 on February 5, 2008, which passed about 6 miles southeast of town and caused 13 deaths. The most recent was an EF4 on March 14, 2025, which crossed near town.
Hail: 199 reports of 1-inch or larger hail within 25 miles since 1955, 27 of them 2 inches or more; the largest was 8.00-inch hail on June 19, 1970.
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 Franklin'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.
Franklin radar FAQ
Where is the nearest weather radar to Franklin, AR?
KLZK (Little Rock, AR), about 96 miles south-southwest. KSGF (Springfield, MO) is 116 miles away and also covers the area.
Does radar show snow in Franklin?
Yes. TALON colors snow blue, a rain–snow mix pink and freezing rain purple using NOAA's precipitation-type analysis. Over Franklin the lowest scan from KLZK is about 9,100 ft up, so light snow from shallow clouds can be under-shown — check NWS winter alerts too.
Is TALON's radar for Franklin 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 Franklin, follow it right away — see watch vs. warning.
Radar for nearby towns
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- Melbourne, AR radar 10 mi
- Ash Flat, AR radar 10 mi
- Cherokee Village, AR radar 14 mi
- Salem, AR radar 14 mi
- Highland, AR radar 15 mi
- Cave City, AR radar 20 mi
- Calico Rock, AR radar 20 mi
- Mountain View, AR radar 29 mi
- Batesville, AR radar 29 mi