Big Pine Key, FL Live Doppler Radar
Live radar for Big Pine Key, Lower Keys in Monroe County: every NWS radar combined, rain, snow and ice colors, flash-flood risk, storm tracks and official warnings.
What weather hits Big Pine Key?
Since 1996, the National Weather Service has logged damaging thunderstorm winds on 48 days in the Monroe Lower Keys forecast zone and Lower Keys in Monroe County — the most common reported hazard around Big Pine Key, mostly in July and August. Next come hurricanes & tropical storms (32 days) and flooding (20 days).
| Hazard | Days reported | Most recent | Worst on record |
|---|---|---|---|
| Damaging thunderstorm winds | 48 | Mar 2026 | Jul 4, 1998 · 1 death |
| Hurricanes & tropical storms | 32 | Nov 2024 | Sep 9, 2017 · 4 deaths |
| Flooding | 20 | Jun 2026 | Jun 4, 2022 · $20,000 damage |
| Storm surge | 14 | Nov 2024 | Sep 10, 2008 · $300,000 damage |
| Lightning casualties & damage | 13 | Jul 2023 | Jul 22, 2012 · $40,000 damage |
| High winds | 3 | Aug 2001 | Aug 1, 2001 · 1 death |
| Coastal flooding | 3 | Oct 2017 | — |
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 Monroe Lower Keys forecast zone and Lower Keys in Monroe County; damage is as reported, not adjusted for inflation.
Which radars cover Big Pine Key?
The closest NEXRAD Doppler radar is KBYX (Key West, FL), about 22 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 Big Pine Key | View |
|---|---|---|---|
| KBYX Key West, FL | 22 mi west-southwest | 1,300 ft | Excellent — the lowest scan sees close to the ground |
| KAMX Miami, FL | 87 mi northeast | 7,800 ft | Fair — the beam can pass over shallow snow and low-level rotation |
| KTBW Tampa, FL | 218 mi north-northwest | 33,900 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 Big Pine Key
Since 1950, NOAA has recorded 35 tornadoes within 25 miles of Big Pine Key, 3 of them EF2/F2 or stronger. Most came in June and August. The strongest was an F2 on June 18, 1972, which touched down about 20 miles west-southwest of town. The most recent was an EF0 on March 19, 2024, which touched down about 2 miles west-southwest 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 Big Pine Key'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.
Big Pine Key radar FAQ
Where is the nearest weather radar to Big Pine Key, FL?
KBYX (Key West, FL), about 22 miles west-southwest. KAMX (Miami, FL) is 87 miles away and also covers the area.
Can radar see a tornado near Big Pine Key?
Radar can't see the tornado itself, but it shows the rotating storm and, once debris is lofted, a debris signature. Over Big Pine Key the lowest scan from KBYX is about 1,300 ft up — excellent — the lowest scan sees close to the ground.
Is TALON's radar for Big Pine Key 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 Big Pine Key, follow it right away — see watch vs. warning.