Waverly, FL Live Doppler Radar
Live radar for Waverly, Polk County: every NWS radar combined, rain, snow and ice colors, flash-flood risk, storm tracks and official warnings.
What weather hits Waverly?
Since 1996, the National Weather Service has logged damaging thunderstorm winds on 160 days in the Polk forecast zone and Polk County — the most common reported hazard around Waverly, mostly in June and July. Next come lightning casualties & damage (40 days) and flooding (30 days).
| Hazard | Days reported | Most recent | Worst on record |
|---|---|---|---|
| Damaging thunderstorm winds | 160 | Jun 2024 | Jul 28, 2010 · $900,000 damage |
| Lightning casualties & damage | 40 | Jun 2018 | Jul 6, 1998 · 2 deaths |
| Flooding | 30 | Aug 2015 | Jul 1, 2005 · $1.6 million damage |
| Hurricanes & tropical storms | 25 | Oct 2024 | Sep 10, 2017 · 3 deaths · $162 million damage |
| Wildfires | 13 | Apr 2017 | Feb 15, 2017 · $1.1 million damage |
| Flash flooding | 8 | Apr 2008 | Dec 13, 1997 · $750,000 damage |
| Extreme cold & wind chill | 7 | Oct 2008 | Jan 25, 2003 · $1.0 million damage |
| High winds | 5 | Sep 2004 | Aug 13, 2004 · 1 death · $749 million 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 Polk forecast zone and Polk County; damage is as reported, not adjusted for inflation.
Which radars cover Waverly?
The closest NEXRAD Doppler radar is KTBW (Tampa, FL), about 51 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 Waverly | View |
|---|---|---|---|
| KTBW Tampa, FL | 51 mi west-southwest | 3,700 ft | Good — most storms and steady rain or snow show clearly |
| KMLB Melbourne, FL | 60 mi east | 4,600 ft | Good — most storms and steady rain or snow show clearly |
| KJAX Jacksonville, FL | 173 mi north | 22,900 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 Waverly
Since 1950, NOAA has recorded 167 tornadoes within 25 miles of Waverly, 18 of them EF2/F2 or stronger. Most came in June and July. The strongest was an F4 on April 4, 1966, which passed about 14 miles north-northwest of town and caused 11 deaths. The most recent was an EF1 on October 9, 2024, which touched down about 24 miles south of town.
Hail: 132 reports of 1-inch or larger hail within 25 miles since 1955, 10 of them 2 inches or more; the largest was 4.50-inch hail on March 30, 1996.
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 Waverly'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.
Waverly radar FAQ
Where is the nearest weather radar to Waverly, FL?
KTBW (Tampa, FL), about 51 miles west-southwest. KMLB (Melbourne, FL) is 60 miles away and also covers the area.
Can radar see a tornado near Waverly?
Radar can't see the tornado itself, but it shows the rotating storm and, once debris is lofted, a debris signature. Over Waverly the lowest scan from KTBW is about 3,700 ft up — good — most storms and steady rain or snow show clearly.
Is TALON's radar for Waverly 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 Waverly, follow it right away — see watch vs. warning.
Radar for nearby towns
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- Haines City, FL radar 9 mi
- Lake Alfred, FL radar 12 mi
- Davenport, FL radar 12 mi
- Auburndale, FL radar 14 mi
- Bartow, FL radar 14 mi