Bell, FL Live Doppler Radar
Live radar for Bell, Gilchrist County: every NWS radar combined, rain, snow and ice colors, flash-flood risk, storm tracks and official warnings.
What weather hits Bell?
Since 1996, the National Weather Service has logged damaging thunderstorm winds on 70 days in the Gilchrist forecast zone and Gilchrist County — the most common reported hazard around Bell, mostly in June and July. Next come hurricanes & tropical storms (10 days) and flooding (3 days).
| Hazard | Days reported | Most recent | Worst on record |
|---|---|---|---|
| Damaging thunderstorm winds | 70 | Mar 2024 | Mar 29, 2001 · $30,000 damage |
| Hurricanes & tropical storms | 10 | Oct 2024 | — |
| Flooding | 3 | Jun 2017 | Mar 1, 1998 · $6.1 million damage |
| Wildfires | 3 | Apr 2008 | — |
| Flash flooding | 2 | Aug 2024 | — |
| Lightning casualties & damage | 2 | Jul 2006 | — |
| Heavy snow & winter storms | 1 | Jan 2018 | — |
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 Gilchrist forecast zone and Gilchrist County; damage is as reported, not adjusted for inflation.
Which radars cover Bell?
The closest NEXRAD Doppler radar is KVAX (Moody AFB, GA), about 79 miles north. 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 Bell | View |
|---|---|---|---|
| KVAX Moody AFB, GA | 79 mi north | 6,700 ft | Fair — the beam can pass over shallow snow and low-level rotation |
| KJAX Jacksonville, FL | 86 mi northeast | 7,600 ft | Fair — the beam can pass over shallow snow and low-level rotation |
| KTLH Tallahassee, FL | 98 mi west-northwest | 9,400 ft | Fair — the beam can pass over shallow snow and low-level rotation |
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 Bell
Since 1950, NOAA has recorded 44 tornadoes within 25 miles of Bell, 8 of them EF2/F2 or stronger. Most came in April and March. The strongest was an F3 on February 27, 1984, which passed about 22 miles north-northwest of town. The most recent was an EF0 on July 7, 2021, which touched down about 23 miles north-northeast of town.
Hail: 47 reports of 1-inch or larger hail within 25 miles since 1955, 3 of them 2 inches or more; the largest was 2.00-inch hail on June 4, 1999.
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 Bell'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.
Bell radar FAQ
Where is the nearest weather radar to Bell, FL?
KVAX (Moody AFB, GA), about 79 miles north. KJAX (Jacksonville, FL) is 86 miles away and also covers the area.
Can radar see a tornado near Bell?
Radar can't see the tornado itself, but it shows the rotating storm and, once debris is lofted, a debris signature. Over Bell the lowest scan from KVAX is about 6,700 ft up — fair — the beam can pass over shallow snow and low-level rotation.
Is TALON's radar for Bell 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 Bell, follow it right away — see watch vs. warning.
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