Ocotillo, CA Live Doppler Radar
Live radar for Ocotillo, Imperial County: every NWS radar combined, rain, snow and ice colors, flash-flood risk, storm tracks and official warnings.
What weather hits Ocotillo?
Since 1996, the National Weather Service has logged damaging thunderstorm winds on 48 days in the Imperial County West forecast zone and Imperial County — the most common reported hazard around Ocotillo, mostly in August and September. Next come excessive heat (46 days) and flash flooding (46 days).
| Hazard | Days reported | Most recent | Worst on record |
|---|---|---|---|
| Damaging thunderstorm winds | 48 | Sep 2025 | Sep 15, 2007 · $4.0 million damage |
| Excessive heat | 46 | Jun 2024 | — |
| Flash flooding | 46 | Sep 2025 | Aug 31, 2021 · 2 deaths · $5,000 damage |
| Flooding | 8 | Jan 2024 | Jan 22, 2024 · $4.0 million damage |
| Dust storms | 5 | Apr 2023 | Mar 15, 2021 · 1 death |
| High winds | 1 | Feb 2023 | Feb 22, 2023 · $76,000 damage |
| Lightning casualties & damage | 1 | Oct 2005 | — |
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 Imperial County West forecast zone and Imperial County; damage is as reported, not adjusted for inflation.
Which radars cover Ocotillo?
The closest NEXRAD Doppler radar is KNKX (San Diego, CA), about 62 miles west-northwest. 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 Ocotillo | View |
|---|---|---|---|
| KNKX San Diego, CA | 62 mi west-northwest | 4,700 ft | Good — most storms and steady rain or snow show clearly |
| KYUX Yuma, AZ | 80 mi east-southeast | 6,900 ft | Fair — the beam can pass over shallow snow and low-level rotation |
| KSOX Santa Ana Mountains, CA | 120 mi northwest | 12,700 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 Ocotillo
Since 1950, NOAA has recorded 1 tornado within 25 miles of Ocotillo. The strongest was an F0 on September 24, 1997, which touched down about 19 miles east-northeast 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 5, 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 Ocotillo'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.
Ocotillo radar FAQ
Where is the nearest weather radar to Ocotillo, CA?
KNKX (San Diego, CA), about 62 miles west-northwest. KYUX (Yuma, AZ) is 80 miles away and also covers the area.
Can radar see a tornado near Ocotillo?
Radar can't see the tornado itself, but it shows the rotating storm and, once debris is lofted, a debris signature. Over Ocotillo the lowest scan from KNKX is about 4,700 ft up — good — most storms and steady rain or snow show clearly.
Is TALON's radar for Ocotillo 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 Ocotillo, follow it right away — see watch vs. warning.
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