Tolleson, AZ Live Doppler Radar
Live radar for Tolleson, Maricopa County: every NWS radar combined, rain, snow and ice colors, flash-flood risk, storm tracks and official warnings.
What weather hits Tolleson?
Since 1996, the National Weather Service has logged damaging thunderstorm winds on 376 days in the Buckeye/Avondale forecast zone and Maricopa County — the most common reported hazard around Tolleson, mostly in August and July. Next come flash flooding (219 days) and excessive heat (96 days).
| Hazard | Days reported | Most recent | Worst on record |
|---|---|---|---|
| Damaging thunderstorm winds | 376 | Nov 2025 | Jul 14, 2001 · 1 death · $5.0 million damage |
| Flash flooding | 219 | Nov 2025 | Mar 28, 1998 · 3 deaths |
| Excessive heat | 96 | Jun 2024 | Jul 23, 2023 · 18 deaths |
| Lightning casualties & damage | 56 | Oct 2025 | Jul 27, 1999 · 1 death |
| Flooding | 51 | Nov 2025 | Apr 1, 2023 · 2 deaths |
| Dust storms | 10 | Aug 2025 | — |
| High winds | 2 | Jun 2024 | Oct 3, 2022 · $5,000 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 Buckeye/Avondale forecast zone and Maricopa County; damage is as reported, not adjusted for inflation.
Which radars cover Tolleson?
The closest NEXRAD Doppler radar is KIWA (Phoenix, AZ), about 36 miles east-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 Tolleson | View |
|---|---|---|---|
| KIWA Phoenix, AZ | 36 mi east-southeast | 2,300 ft | Excellent — the lowest scan sees close to the ground |
| KFSX Flagstaff, AZ | 99 mi northeast | 9,400 ft | Fair — the beam can pass over shallow snow and low-level rotation |
| KEMX Tucson, AZ | 143 mi southeast | 16,800 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 Tolleson
Since 1950, NOAA has recorded 39 tornadoes within 25 miles of Tolleson, 5 of them EF2/F2 or stronger. Most came in August and September. The strongest was an F2 on August 30, 1971, which passed about 20 miles east-southeast of town. The most recent was an EF0 on November 29, 2019, which passed about 11 miles northeast of town.
Hail: 76 reports of 1-inch or larger hail within 25 miles since 1955, 4 of them 2 inches or more; the largest was 3.00-inch hail on October 5, 2010.
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 Tolleson'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.
Tolleson radar FAQ
Where is the nearest weather radar to Tolleson, AZ?
KIWA (Phoenix, AZ), about 36 miles east-southeast. KFSX (Flagstaff, AZ) is 99 miles away and also covers the area.
Can radar see a tornado near Tolleson?
Radar can't see the tornado itself, but it shows the rotating storm and, once debris is lofted, a debris signature. Over Tolleson the lowest scan from KIWA is about 2,300 ft up — excellent — the lowest scan sees close to the ground.
Is TALON's radar for Tolleson 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 Tolleson, follow it right away — see watch vs. warning.
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