Limestone, FL Live Doppler Radar
Live radar for Limestone, Hardee County: every NWS radar combined, rain, snow and ice colors, flash-flood risk, storm tracks and official warnings.
What weather hits Limestone?
Since 1996, the National Weather Service has logged damaging thunderstorm winds on 36 days in the Hardee forecast zone and Hardee County — the most common reported hazard around Limestone, mostly in June and August. Next come hurricanes & tropical storms (17 days) and flooding (17 days).
| Hazard | Days reported | Most recent | Worst on record |
|---|---|---|---|
| Damaging thunderstorm winds | 36 | Jul 2022 | Aug 2, 1999 · $150,000 damage |
| Hurricanes & tropical storms | 17 | Oct 2024 | Sep 28, 2022 · 4 deaths · $1.0 million damage |
| Flooding | 17 | Jul 2021 | Sep 12, 2017 · $1.6 million damage |
| Flash flooding | 7 | Jun 2003 | Sep 14, 2001 · $1.0 million damage |
| Lightning casualties & damage | 5 | May 2019 | Jul 29, 2003 · $30,000 damage |
| High winds | 3 | Sep 2004 | Aug 13, 2004 · $252 million damage |
| Extreme cold & wind chill | 3 | Feb 2007 | — |
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 Hardee forecast zone and Hardee County; damage is as reported, not adjusted for inflation.
Which radars cover Limestone?
The closest NEXRAD Doppler radar is KTBW (Tampa, FL), about 38 miles northwest. 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 Limestone | View |
|---|---|---|---|
| KTBW Tampa, FL | 38 mi northwest | 2,500 ft | Excellent — the lowest scan sees close to the ground |
| KMLB Melbourne, FL | 92 mi northeast | 8,500 ft | Fair — the beam can pass over shallow snow and low-level rotation |
| KAMX Miami, FL | 152 mi southeast | 18,600 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 Limestone
Since 1950, NOAA has recorded 84 tornadoes within 25 miles of Limestone, 5 of them EF2/F2 or stronger. Most came in June and May. The strongest was an EF2 on January 17, 2016, which passed about 22 miles northwest of town and caused 2 deaths. The most recent was an EF0 on July 21, 2025, which touched down about 16 miles south of town.
Hail: 30 reports of 1-inch or larger hail within 25 miles since 1955, 3 of them 2 inches or more; the largest was 2.75-inch hail on May 3, 2005.
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 Limestone'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.
Limestone radar FAQ
Where is the nearest weather radar to Limestone, FL?
KTBW (Tampa, FL), about 38 miles northwest. KMLB (Melbourne, FL) is 92 miles away and also covers the area.
Can radar see a tornado near Limestone?
Radar can't see the tornado itself, but it shows the rotating storm and, once debris is lofted, a debris signature. Over Limestone the lowest scan from KTBW is about 2,500 ft up — excellent — the lowest scan sees close to the ground.
Is TALON's radar for Limestone 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 Limestone, follow it right away — see watch vs. warning.
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