Smith River, CA Live Doppler Radar
Live radar for Smith River, Del Norte County: every NWS radar combined, rain, snow and ice colors, flash-flood risk, storm tracks and official warnings.
What weather hits Smith River?
Since 1996, the National Weather Service has logged high winds on 20 days in the Coastal Del Norte forecast zone and Del Norte County — the most common reported hazard around Smith River, mostly in January and November. Next come flooding (8 days) and heavy snow & winter storms (4 days).
| Hazard | Days reported | Most recent | Worst on record |
|---|---|---|---|
| High winds | 20 | Dec 2024 | Mar 13, 2023 · $1.0 million damage |
| Flooding | 8 | Jan 2024 | Dec 14, 2016 · $584,000 damage |
| Heavy snow & winter storms | 4 | Feb 2023 | — |
| Wildfires | 2 | Aug 2002 | — |
| Flash flooding | 2 | Apr 2018 | — |
| Coastal flooding | 1 | Jan 2023 | — |
| Debris flows | 1 | Mar 2024 | Mar 2, 2024 · $1,000 damage |
| Damaging thunderstorm winds | 1 | Apr 2026 | — |
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 Coastal Del Norte forecast zone and Del Norte County; damage is as reported, not adjusted for inflation.
Which radars cover Smith River?
The closest NEXRAD Doppler radar is KMAX (Medford, OR), about 74 miles east. 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 Smith River | View |
|---|---|---|---|
| KMAX Medford, OR | 74 mi east | 6,200 ft | Fair — the beam can pass over shallow snow and low-level rotation |
| KBHX Eureka, CA | 99 mi south | 9,400 ft | Fair — the beam can pass over shallow snow and low-level rotation |
| KBBX Beale AFB, CA | 213 mi southeast | 32,600 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 Smith River
Since 1950, NOAA has recorded 7 tornadoes within 25 miles of Smith River. Most came in January and December. The strongest was an F1 on December 11, 1992, which touched down about 12 miles south-southwest of town. The most recent was an F0 on November 9, 2002, which touched down about 11 miles northwest of town.
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 Smith River'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.
Smith River radar FAQ
Where is the nearest weather radar to Smith River, CA?
KMAX (Medford, OR), about 74 miles east. KBHX (Eureka, CA) is 99 miles away and also covers the area.
Can radar see a tornado near Smith River?
Radar can't see the tornado itself, but it shows the rotating storm and, once debris is lofted, a debris signature. Over Smith River the lowest scan from KMAX is about 6,200 ft up — fair — the beam can pass over shallow snow and low-level rotation.
Is TALON's radar for Smith River 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 Smith River, follow it right away — see watch vs. warning.
Radar for nearby towns
- Crescent City, CA radar 11 mi