Kensett, AR Live Doppler Radar
Live radar for Kensett, White County: every NWS radar combined, rain, snow and ice colors, flash-flood risk, storm tracks and official warnings.
What weather hits Kensett?
Since 1996, the National Weather Service has logged damaging thunderstorm winds on 135 days in the White forecast zone and White County — the most common reported hazard around Kensett, mostly in August and July. Next come flooding (85 days) and flash flooding (58 days).
| Hazard | Days reported | Most recent | Worst on record |
|---|---|---|---|
| Damaging thunderstorm winds | 135 | Mar 2026 | Apr 15, 2011 · 1 death · $30,000 damage |
| Flooding | 85 | Jun 2025 | May 1, 2011 · $14 million damage |
| Flash flooding | 58 | May 2024 | Dec 24, 2009 · $2.0 million damage |
| Heavy snow & winter storms | 28 | Jan 2026 | Dec 25, 2012 · $3.0 million damage |
| Lightning casualties & damage | 13 | Mar 2021 | Aug 2, 2012 · 1 death · $50,000 damage |
| Excessive heat | 11 | Sep 2012 | Jul 9, 1999 · 1 death |
| Ice storms & sleet | 8 | Feb 2014 | Jan 26, 2009 · $15 million damage |
| Hurricanes & tropical storms | 3 | Aug 2020 | Sep 13, 2008 · $750,000 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 White forecast zone and White County; damage is as reported, not adjusted for inflation.
How much snow does Kensett get?
A normal year brings about 1.8 inches of snow to Kensett, based on NOAA's 1991–2020 climate normals for the Searcy weather station 3.4 miles away. The snowiest month is usually January (0.7 in).
| Oct | Nov | Dec | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.1 | 0.7 | 0.6 | 0.4 | 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 Kensett?
The closest NEXRAD Doppler radar is KLZK (Little Rock, AR), about 43 miles 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 Kensett | View |
|---|---|---|---|
| KLZK Little Rock, AR | 43 mi southwest | 2,900 ft | Excellent — the lowest scan sees close to the ground |
| KNQA Memphis, TN | 102 mi east | 9,900 ft | Fair — the beam can pass over shallow snow and low-level rotation |
| KSRX Fort Smith, AR | 152 mi west | 18,500 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 Kensett
Since 1950, NOAA has recorded 136 tornadoes within 25 miles of Kensett, 62 of them EF2/F2 or stronger. Most came in April and March. The strongest was an F4 on March 21, 1952, which crossed near town and caused 50 deaths. The most recent was an EF1 on April 20, 2025, which passed about 20 miles west-southwest of town.
Hail: 217 reports of 1-inch or larger hail within 25 miles since 1955, 29 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 Kensett'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.
Kensett radar FAQ
Where is the nearest weather radar to Kensett, AR?
KLZK (Little Rock, AR), about 43 miles southwest. KNQA (Memphis, TN) is 102 miles away and also covers the area.
Does radar show snow in Kensett?
Yes. TALON colors snow blue, a rain–snow mix pink and freezing rain purple using NOAA's precipitation-type analysis. Over Kensett the lowest scan from KLZK is about 2,900 ft up.
Is TALON's radar for Kensett 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 Kensett, follow it right away — see watch vs. warning.
Radar for nearby towns
- Judsonia, AR radar 3 mi
- Searcy, AR radar 4 mi
- Bald Knob, AR radar 8 mi
- Beebe, AR radar 17 mi
- Augusta, AR radar 18 mi
- Des Arc, AR radar 20 mi
- Ward, AR radar 22 mi
- Austin, AR radar 24 mi
- McCrory, AR radar 27 mi
- Cabot, AR radar 27 mi