Clearwater, FL Live Doppler Radar
Live radar for Clearwater, Pinellas County: every NWS radar combined, rain, snow and ice colors, flash-flood risk, storm tracks and official warnings.
What weather hits Clearwater?
Since 1996, the National Weather Service has logged lightning damage or injuries on 150 days in the Pinellas forecast zone and Pinellas County — the most common reported hazard around Clearwater, mostly in July and August. Next come damaging thunderstorm winds (124 days) and flooding (38 days).
| Hazard | Days reported | Most recent | Worst on record |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lightning casualties & damage | 150 | Aug 2025 | Jul 25, 2024 · 1 death |
| Damaging thunderstorm winds | 124 | Aug 2025 | Aug 15, 2015 · 1 death |
| Flooding | 38 | Aug 2022 | Aug 3, 2015 · $3.5 million damage |
| Hurricanes & tropical storms | 29 | Oct 2024 | Sep 10, 2017 · 2 deaths · $594 million damage |
| Storm surge | 15 | Jul 2021 | Sep 1, 2016 · $4.0 million damage |
| Flash flooding | 11 | Aug 2025 | Feb 3, 2006 · $2.0 million damage |
| High winds | 5 | Dec 2018 | Nov 25, 2000 · $25,000 damage |
| Wildfires | 4 | May 2001 | Mar 23, 2000 · $5,000 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 Pinellas forecast zone and Pinellas County; damage is as reported, not adjusted for inflation.
Which radars cover Clearwater?
The closest NEXRAD Doppler radar is KTBW (Tampa, FL), about 29 miles 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 Clearwater | View |
|---|---|---|---|
| KTBW Tampa, FL | 29 mi southeast | 1,800 ft | Excellent — the lowest scan sees close to the ground |
| KMLB Melbourne, FL | 129 mi east | 14,300 ft | Limited — the beam overshoots the lowest part of storms |
| KJAX Jacksonville, FL | 185 mi north-northeast | 25,600 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 Clearwater
Since 1950, NOAA has recorded 259 tornadoes within 25 miles of Clearwater, 22 of them EF2/F2 or stronger. Most came in June and July. The strongest was an F4 on April 4, 1966, which passed about 4 miles south-southeast of town and caused 11 deaths. The most recent was an EF0 on September 25, 2025, which touched down about 10 miles southeast of town.
Hail: 123 reports of 1-inch or larger hail within 25 miles since 1955, 6 of them 2 inches or more; the largest was 3.00-inch hail on May 3, 2001.
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 Clearwater'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.
Clearwater radar FAQ
Where is the nearest weather radar to Clearwater, FL?
KTBW (Tampa, FL), about 29 miles southeast. KMLB (Melbourne, FL) is 129 miles away and also covers the area.
Can radar see a tornado near Clearwater?
Radar can't see the tornado itself, but it shows the rotating storm and, once debris is lofted, a debris signature. Over Clearwater the lowest scan from KTBW is about 1,800 ft up — excellent — the lowest scan sees close to the ground.
Is TALON's radar for Clearwater 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 Clearwater, follow it right away — see watch vs. warning.