Opa-locka, FL Live Doppler Radar
Live radar for Opa-locka, Miami-Dade County: every NWS radar combined, rain, snow and ice colors, flash-flood risk, storm tracks and official warnings.
What weather hits Opa-locka?
Since 1996, the National Weather Service has logged damaging thunderstorm winds on 152 days in the Metropolitan Miami Dade forecast zone and Miami-Dade County — the most common reported hazard around Opa-locka, mostly in June and May. Next come flooding (86 days) and lightning casualties & damage (67 days).
| Hazard | Days reported | Most recent | Worst on record |
|---|---|---|---|
| Damaging thunderstorm winds | 152 | Jun 2026 | Mar 27, 2015 · 1 death |
| Flooding | 86 | Jun 2026 | Oct 3, 2000 · $940 million damage |
| Lightning casualties & damage | 67 | Jun 2026 | Aug 8, 2015 · 1 death |
| Flash flooding | 54 | Jun 2024 | Oct 15, 1999 · $300 million damage |
| Hurricanes & tropical storms | 21 | Nov 2020 | Aug 25, 2005 · 6 deaths · $487 million damage |
| Wildfires | 11 | Jun 2026 | Apr 5, 2000 · $100,000 damage |
| High winds | 7 | Oct 2001 | Oct 26, 2001 · 1 death · $10,000 damage |
| Excessive heat | 7 | Jul 2022 | Jul 11, 2022 · 1 death |
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 Metropolitan Miami Dade forecast zone and Miami-Dade County; damage is as reported, not adjusted for inflation.
Which radars cover Opa-locka?
The closest NEXRAD Doppler radar is KAMX (Miami, FL), about 22 miles south-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 Opa-locka | View |
|---|---|---|---|
| KAMX Miami, FL | 22 mi south-southwest | 1,300 ft | Excellent — the lowest scan sees close to the ground |
| KBYX Key West, FL | 128 mi southwest | 14,000 ft | Limited — the beam overshoots the lowest part of storms |
| KMLB Melbourne, FL | 155 mi north | 19,100 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 Opa-locka
Since 1950, NOAA has recorded 240 tornadoes within 25 miles of Opa-locka, 16 of them EF2/F2 or stronger. Most came in June and May. The strongest was an F3 on March 1, 1980, which passed about 19 miles north-northeast of town and caused 1 death. The most recent was a tornado of unknown strength on October 9, 2024, which passed about 23 miles northwest of town.
Hail: 172 reports of 1-inch or larger hail within 25 miles since 1955, 10 of them 2 inches or more; the largest was 4.00-inch hail on March 29, 1963.
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 Opa-locka'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.
Opa-locka radar FAQ
Where is the nearest weather radar to Opa-locka, FL?
KAMX (Miami, FL), about 22 miles south-southwest. KBYX (Key West, FL) is 128 miles away and also covers the area.
Can radar see a tornado near Opa-locka?
Radar can't see the tornado itself, but it shows the rotating storm and, once debris is lofted, a debris signature. Over Opa-locka the lowest scan from KAMX is about 1,300 ft up — excellent — the lowest scan sees close to the ground.
Is TALON's radar for Opa-locka 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 Opa-locka, follow it right away — see watch vs. warning.