Auburndale, FL Live Doppler Radar
Live radar for Auburndale, Polk County: every NWS radar combined, rain, snow and ice colors, flash-flood risk, storm tracks and official warnings.
What weather hits Auburndale?
Since 1996, the National Weather Service has logged damaging thunderstorm winds on 160 days in the Polk forecast zone and Polk County — the most common reported hazard around Auburndale, mostly in June and July. Next come lightning casualties & damage (40 days) and flooding (30 days).
| Hazard | Days reported | Most recent | Worst on record |
|---|---|---|---|
| Damaging thunderstorm winds | 160 | Jun 2024 | Jul 28, 2010 · $900,000 damage |
| Lightning casualties & damage | 40 | Jun 2018 | Jul 6, 1998 · 2 deaths |
| Flooding | 30 | Aug 2015 | Jul 1, 2005 · $1.6 million damage |
| Hurricanes & tropical storms | 25 | Oct 2024 | Sep 10, 2017 · 3 deaths · $162 million damage |
| Wildfires | 13 | Apr 2017 | Feb 15, 2017 · $1.1 million damage |
| Flash flooding | 8 | Apr 2008 | Dec 13, 1997 · $750,000 damage |
| Extreme cold & wind chill | 7 | Oct 2008 | Jan 25, 2003 · $1.0 million damage |
| High winds | 5 | Sep 2004 | Aug 13, 2004 · 1 death · $749 million 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 Polk forecast zone and Polk County; damage is as reported, not adjusted for inflation.
Which radars cover Auburndale?
The closest NEXRAD Doppler radar is KTBW (Tampa, FL), about 46 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 Auburndale | View |
|---|---|---|---|
| KTBW Tampa, FL | 46 mi southwest | 3,200 ft | Good — most storms and steady rain or snow show clearly |
| KMLB Melbourne, FL | 70 mi east | 5,600 ft | Good — most storms and steady rain or snow show clearly |
| KJAX Jacksonville, FL | 164 mi north | 21,100 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 Auburndale
Since 1950, NOAA has recorded 189 tornadoes within 25 miles of Auburndale, 24 of them EF2/F2 or stronger. Most came in June and May. The strongest was an F4 on April 4, 1966, which passed about 3 miles north-northwest of town and caused 11 deaths. The most recent was an EF0 on September 26, 2024, which touched down about 11 miles east-southeast of town.
Hail: 155 reports of 1-inch or larger hail within 25 miles since 1955, 10 of them 2 inches or more; the largest was 4.50-inch hail on March 30, 1996.
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 Auburndale'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.
Auburndale radar FAQ
Where is the nearest weather radar to Auburndale, FL?
KTBW (Tampa, FL), about 46 miles southwest. KMLB (Melbourne, FL) is 70 miles away and also covers the area.
Can radar see a tornado near Auburndale?
Radar can't see the tornado itself, but it shows the rotating storm and, once debris is lofted, a debris signature. Over Auburndale the lowest scan from KTBW is about 3,200 ft up — good — most storms and steady rain or snow show clearly.
Is TALON's radar for Auburndale 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 Auburndale, follow it right away — see watch vs. warning.
Radar for nearby towns
- Lake Alfred, FL radar 5 mi
- Polk City, FL radar 5 mi
- Winter Haven, FL radar 6 mi
- Eagle Lake, FL radar 10 mi
- Lakeland, FL radar 10 mi
- Haines City, FL radar 11 mi
- Lake Hamilton, FL radar 11 mi
- Davenport, FL radar 12 mi
- Dundee, FL radar 13 mi
- Bartow, FL radar 15 mi