Orchid, FL Live Doppler Radar
Live radar for Orchid, Indian River County: every NWS radar combined, rain, snow and ice colors, flash-flood risk, storm tracks and official warnings.
What weather hits Orchid?
Since 1996, the National Weather Service has logged damaging thunderstorm winds on 33 days in the Coastal Indian River forecast zone and Indian River County — the most common reported hazard around Orchid, mostly in June and April. Next come flooding (10 days) and lightning casualties & damage (8 days).
| Hazard | Days reported | Most recent | Worst on record |
|---|---|---|---|
| Damaging thunderstorm winds | 33 | Jun 2023 | May 30, 1996 · $100,000 damage |
| Flooding | 10 | Nov 2023 | Aug 19, 2008 · $5.0 million damage |
| Lightning casualties & damage | 8 | Aug 2023 | Sep 20, 2003 · 1 death |
| Flash flooding | 6 | Oct 2024 | Sep 10, 2017 · $50,000 damage |
| Hurricanes & tropical storms | 5 | Oct 2024 | — |
| Storm surge | 2 | Nov 2022 | — |
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 Indian River forecast zone and Indian River County; damage is as reported, not adjusted for inflation.
Which radars cover Orchid?
The closest NEXRAD Doppler radar is KMLB (Melbourne, FL), about 27 miles north-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 Orchid | View |
|---|---|---|---|
| KMLB Melbourne, FL | 27 mi north-northwest | 1,600 ft | Excellent — the lowest scan sees close to the ground |
| KTBW Tampa, FL | 121 mi west | 12,900 ft | Limited — the beam overshoots the lowest part of storms |
| KAMX Miami, FL | 149 mi south | 18,000 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 Orchid
Since 1950, NOAA has recorded 104 tornadoes within 25 miles of Orchid, 11 of them EF2/F2 or stronger. Most came in August and October. The strongest was an EF3 on October 9, 2024, which passed about 8 miles south-southeast of town and caused 6 deaths. The most recent was an EF0 on September 7, 2025, which touched down about 20 miles northwest of town.
Hail: 98 reports of 1-inch or larger hail within 25 miles since 1955, 11 of them 2 inches or more; the largest was 3.00-inch hail on February 13, 1995.
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 Orchid'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.
Orchid radar FAQ
Where is the nearest weather radar to Orchid, FL?
KMLB (Melbourne, FL), about 27 miles north-northwest. KTBW (Tampa, FL) is 121 miles away and also covers the area.
Can radar see a tornado near Orchid?
Radar can't see the tornado itself, but it shows the rotating storm and, once debris is lofted, a debris signature. Over Orchid the lowest scan from KMLB is about 1,600 ft up — excellent — the lowest scan sees close to the ground.
Is TALON's radar for Orchid 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 Orchid, follow it right away — see watch vs. warning.
Radar for nearby towns
- Sebastian, FL radar 4 mi
- Indian River Shores, FL radar 5 mi
- Vero Beach, FL radar 9 mi
- Fellsmere, FL radar 12 mi
- Grant-Valkaria, FL radar 14 mi
- Malabar, FL radar 18 mi
- Palm Bay, FL radar 19 mi
- Melbourne Beach, FL radar 22 mi
- Indialantic, FL radar 23 mi
- West Melbourne, FL radar 24 mi