Marathon, FL Live Doppler Radar
Live radar for Marathon, Middle Keys in Monroe County: every NWS radar combined, rain, snow and ice colors, flash-flood risk, storm tracks and official warnings.
What weather hits Marathon?
Since 1996, the National Weather Service has logged damaging thunderstorm winds on 48 days in the Monroe Middle Keys forecast zone and Middle Keys in Monroe County — the most common reported hazard around Marathon, mostly in July and August. Next come hurricanes & tropical storms (27 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 | 27 | Nov 2024 | Sep 9, 2017 · 3 deaths |
| Flooding | 20 | Jun 2026 | Jun 4, 2022 · $20,000 damage |
| Lightning casualties & damage | 13 | Jul 2023 | Jul 22, 2012 · $40,000 damage |
| Storm surge | 9 | Oct 2024 | Sep 10, 2017 · 1 death |
| High winds | 3 | Aug 2006 | Jan 7, 1996 · $5,000 damage |
| Coastal flooding | 1 | 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 Middle Keys forecast zone and Middle Keys in Monroe County; damage is as reported, not adjusted for inflation.
Which radars cover Marathon?
The closest NEXRAD Doppler radar is KBYX (Key West, FL), about 44 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 Marathon | View |
|---|---|---|---|
| KBYX Key West, FL | 44 mi west-southwest | 3,000 ft | Good — most storms and steady rain or snow show clearly |
| KAMX Miami, FL | 72 mi north-northeast | 5,900 ft | Good — most storms and steady rain or snow show clearly |
| KTBW Tampa, FL | 222 mi north-northwest | 35,000 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 Marathon
Since 1950, NOAA has recorded 24 tornadoes within 25 miles of Marathon, 1 of them EF2/F2 or stronger. Most came in September and June. The strongest was an F2 on August 26, 2005, which touched down about 4 miles west-southwest of town. The most recent was an EF0 on March 19, 2024, which touched down about 23 miles west of town.
Hail: 1 report of 1-inch or larger hail within 25 miles since 1955; the largest was 1.75-inch hail on May 5, 1962.
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 Marathon'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.
Marathon radar FAQ
Where is the nearest weather radar to Marathon, FL?
KBYX (Key West, FL), about 44 miles west-southwest. KAMX (Miami, FL) is 72 miles away and also covers the area.
Can radar see a tornado near Marathon?
Radar can't see the tornado itself, but it shows the rotating storm and, once debris is lofted, a debris signature. Over Marathon the lowest scan from KBYX is about 3,000 ft up — good — most storms and steady rain or snow show clearly.
Is TALON's radar for Marathon 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 Marathon, follow it right away — see watch vs. warning.