Independence, CA Live Doppler Radar
Live radar for Independence, Inyo County: every NWS radar combined, rain, snow and ice colors, flash-flood risk, storm tracks and official warnings.
What weather hits Independence?
Since 1996, the National Weather Service has logged flash flooding on 135 days in the Owens Valley North forecast zone and Inyo County — the most common reported hazard around Independence, mostly in July and August. Next come damaging thunderstorm winds (22 days) and flooding (21 days).
| Hazard | Days reported | Most recent | Worst on record |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flash flooding | 135 | Jan 2026 | Aug 15, 2004 · 2 deaths · $20 million damage |
| Damaging thunderstorm winds | 22 | Jul 2025 | Jul 1, 2016 · $75,000 damage |
| Flooding | 21 | Nov 2025 | Jun 2, 2017 · $10 million damage |
| High winds | 3 | May 2026 | May 17, 2026 · $30,000 damage |
| Lightning casualties & damage | 1 | Jun 2016 | Jun 11, 2016 · $1,000 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 Owens Valley North forecast zone and Inyo County; damage is as reported, not adjusted for inflation.
Which radars cover Independence?
The closest NEXRAD Doppler radar is KHNX (San Joaquin Valley, CA), about 87 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 Independence | View |
|---|---|---|---|
| KHNX San Joaquin Valley, CA | 87 mi west-southwest | 7,800 ft | Fair — the beam can pass over shallow snow and low-level rotation |
| KEYX Edwards AFB, CA | 125 mi south-southeast | 13,600 ft | Limited — the beam overshoots the lowest part of storms |
| KVTX Los Angeles, CA | 176 mi south-southwest | 23,600 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 Independence
Since 1950, NOAA has recorded 2 tornadoes within 25 miles of Independence. The strongest was an EF0 on November 30, 2012, which touched down about 8 miles north of town.
Hail: 1 report of 1-inch or larger hail within 25 miles since 1955; the largest was 1.00-inch hail on July 7, 2004.
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 Independence'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.
Independence radar FAQ
Where is the nearest weather radar to Independence, CA?
KHNX (San Joaquin Valley, CA), about 87 miles west-southwest. KEYX (Edwards AFB, CA) is 125 miles away and also covers the area.
How often does Independence flood?
Since 1996 the National Weather Service has logged flash flooding on 135 days in the Owens Valley North forecast zone and Inyo County; the deadliest was on August 15, 2004, with 2 deaths. TALON's free flash-flood risk layer shows, every 2 minutes, how close the rain that has fallen is to what it takes to flood — turn it on under Layers.
Is TALON's radar for Independence 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 Independence, follow it right away — see watch vs. warning.
Radar for nearby towns
- Bishop, CA radar 38 mi
- Woodlake, CA radar 57 mi