Cedar Key, FL Live Doppler Radar
Live radar for Cedar Key, Levy County: every NWS radar combined, rain, snow and ice colors, flash-flood risk, storm tracks and official warnings.
What weather hits Cedar Key?
Since 1996, the National Weather Service has logged damaging thunderstorm winds on 86 days in the Coastal Levy forecast zone and Levy County — the most common reported hazard around Cedar Key, mostly in June and July. Next come hurricanes & tropical storms (10 days) and flooding (7 days).
| Hazard | Days reported | Most recent | Worst on record |
|---|---|---|---|
| Damaging thunderstorm winds | 86 | Jun 2026 | Apr 18, 2021 · $2.5 million damage |
| Hurricanes & tropical storms | 10 | Oct 2024 | Sep 11, 2017 · $130,000 damage |
| Flooding | 7 | Jun 2023 | Aug 3, 2015 · $100,000 damage |
| Lightning casualties & damage | 7 | Sep 2018 | Sep 1, 2018 · 1 death |
| Storm surge | 4 | Jul 2021 | Sep 1, 2016 · $2.1 million damage |
| Flash flooding | 1 | Jun 2003 | Jun 20, 2003 · $337,000 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 Coastal Levy forecast zone and Levy County; damage is as reported, not adjusted for inflation.
Which radars cover Cedar Key?
The closest NEXRAD Doppler radar is KTBW (Tampa, FL), about 107 miles south-southeast. 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 Cedar Key | View |
|---|---|---|---|
| KTBW Tampa, FL | 107 mi south-southeast | 10,700 ft | Limited — the beam overshoots the lowest part of storms |
| KTLH Tallahassee, FL | 116 mi northwest | 12,100 ft | Limited — the beam overshoots the lowest part of storms |
| KVAX Moody AFB, GA | 120 mi north | 12,800 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 Cedar Key
Since 1950, NOAA has recorded 11 tornadoes within 25 miles of Cedar Key, 1 of them EF2/F2 or stronger. Most came in May and June. The strongest was an F2 on June 11, 1982, which passed about 23 miles east of town. The most recent was an EF0 on May 29, 2012, which touched down about 19 miles east-southeast of town.
Hail: 6 reports of 1-inch or larger hail within 25 miles since 1955; the largest was 1.50-inch hail on April 26, 1994.
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 Cedar 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.
Cedar Key radar FAQ
Where is the nearest weather radar to Cedar Key, FL?
KTBW (Tampa, FL), about 107 miles south-southeast. KTLH (Tallahassee, FL) is 116 miles away and also covers the area.
Can radar see a tornado near Cedar Key?
Radar can't see the tornado itself, but it shows the rotating storm and, once debris is lofted, a debris signature. Over Cedar Key the lowest scan from KTBW is about 10,700 ft up — limited — the beam overshoots the lowest part of storms.
Is TALON's radar for Cedar 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 Cedar Key, follow it right away — see watch vs. warning.
Radar for nearby towns
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