Patterson, GA Live Doppler Radar
Live radar for Patterson, Pierce County: every NWS radar combined, rain, snow and ice colors, flash-flood risk, storm tracks and official warnings.
What weather hits Patterson?
Since 1996, the National Weather Service has logged damaging thunderstorm winds on 71 days in the Pierce forecast zone and Pierce County — the most common reported hazard around Patterson, mostly in June and May. Next come hurricanes & tropical storms (7 days) and lightning casualties & damage (7 days).
| Hazard | Days reported | Most recent | Worst on record |
|---|---|---|---|
| Damaging thunderstorm winds | 71 | May 2026 | Oct 21, 2002 · $100,000 damage |
| Hurricanes & tropical storms | 7 | Sep 2024 | Sep 27, 2024 · 1 death |
| Lightning casualties & damage | 7 | Jun 2022 | Aug 17, 2010 · $100,000 damage |
| Flash flooding | 4 | Jun 2026 | Sep 29, 1998 · $10,000 damage |
| Heavy snow & winter storms | 3 | Jan 2025 | — |
| Flooding | 2 | Apr 2009 | Mar 1, 1998 · $25,000 damage |
| Ice storms & sleet | 1 | Jan 2014 | — |
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 Pierce forecast zone and Pierce County; damage is as reported, not adjusted for inflation.
Which radars cover Patterson?
The closest NEXRAD Doppler radar is KVAX (Moody AFB, GA), about 62 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 Patterson | View |
|---|---|---|---|
| KVAX Moody AFB, GA | 62 mi west-southwest | 4,700 ft | Good — most storms and steady rain or snow show clearly |
| KJAX Jacksonville, FL | 67 mi south-southeast | 5,400 ft | Good — most storms and steady rain or snow show clearly |
| KCLX Charleston, SC | 109 mi northeast | 10,900 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 Patterson
Since 1950, NOAA has recorded 67 tornadoes within 25 miles of Patterson, 12 of them EF2/F2 or stronger. Most came in March and April. The strongest was an F3 on November 18, 1968, which touched down about 18 miles south-southwest of town. The most recent was an EF0 on April 7, 2025, which touched down about 15 miles southwest of town.
Hail: 100 reports of 1-inch or larger hail within 25 miles since 1955, 6 of them 2 inches or more; the largest was 2.75-inch hail on March 20, 2003.
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 Patterson'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.
Patterson radar FAQ
Where is the nearest weather radar to Patterson, GA?
KVAX (Moody AFB, GA), about 62 miles west-southwest. KJAX (Jacksonville, FL) is 67 miles away and also covers the area.
Can radar see a tornado near Patterson?
Radar can't see the tornado itself, but it shows the rotating storm and, once debris is lofted, a debris signature. Over Patterson the lowest scan from KVAX is about 4,700 ft up — good — most storms and steady rain or snow show clearly.
Is TALON's radar for Patterson 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 Patterson, follow it right away — see watch vs. warning.
Radar for nearby towns
- Blackshear, GA radar 10 mi
- Nahunta, GA radar 15 mi
- Waycross, GA radar 18 mi
- Jesup, GA radar 20 mi
- Alma, GA radar 23 mi
- Baxley, GA radar 29 mi
- Nicholls, GA radar 31 mi
- Ludowici, GA radar 33 mi
- Woodbine, GA radar 38 mi
- Folkston, GA radar 38 mi