Afton, IA Live Doppler Radar
Live radar for Afton, Union County: every NWS radar combined, rain, snow and ice colors, flash-flood risk, storm tracks and official warnings.
What weather hits Afton?
Since 1996, the National Weather Service has logged damaging thunderstorm winds on 73 days in the Union forecast zone and Union County — the most common reported hazard around Afton, mostly in June and May. Next come heavy snow & winter storms (45 days) and high winds (26 days).
| Hazard | Days reported | Most recent | Worst on record |
|---|---|---|---|
| Damaging thunderstorm winds | 73 | Jul 2025 | Aug 9, 2009 · $550,000 damage |
| Heavy snow & winter storms | 45 | Feb 2025 | Oct 26, 1997 · $3.2 million damage |
| High winds | 26 | Mar 2025 | Nov 10, 1998 · $305,000 damage |
| Flash flooding | 18 | Jun 2019 | Sep 19, 2010 · $275,000 damage |
| Extreme cold & wind chill | 16 | Jan 2025 | Sep 21, 1999 · $294,000 damage |
| Ice storms & sleet | 15 | Jan 2017 | Jan 20, 2010 · $100,000 damage |
| Blizzards | 14 | Mar 2025 | Dec 20, 2012 · $100,000 damage |
| Flooding | 13 | Jul 2015 | Jun 12, 2010 · $20 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 Union forecast zone and Union County; damage is as reported, not adjusted for inflation.
How much snow does Afton get?
A normal year brings about 28 inches of snow to Afton, based on NOAA's 1991–2020 climate normals for the Lorimor weather station 10.1 miles away. The snowiest month is usually February (8.8 in).
| Oct | Nov | Dec | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0.5 | 2.2 | 4.6 | 7.6 | 8.8 | 3.1 | 0.9 | 0.0 |
Normal snowfall in inches. TALON Pro compares this season's snow at your location with these normals as winter goes on.
Which radars cover Afton?
The closest NEXRAD Doppler radar is KDMX (Des Moines, IA), about 54 miles north-northeast. 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 Afton | View |
|---|---|---|---|
| KDMX Des Moines, IA | 54 mi north-northeast | 4,000 ft | Good — most storms and steady rain or snow show clearly |
| KOAX Omaha, NE | 115 mi west | 11,900 ft | Limited — the beam overshoots the lowest part of storms |
| KEAX Kansas City, MO | 153 mi south | 18,800 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 Afton
Since 1950, NOAA has recorded 113 tornadoes within 25 miles of Afton, 35 of them EF2/F2 or stronger. Most came in May and April. The strongest was an EF4 on March 5, 2022, which passed about 14 miles north of town and caused 6 deaths. The most recent was an EF1 on April 17, 2025, which passed about 11 miles southwest of town.
Hail: 389 reports of 1-inch or larger hail within 25 miles since 1955, 51 of them 2 inches or more; the largest was 4.50-inch hail on April 20, 1961.
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 Afton'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.
Afton radar FAQ
Where is the nearest weather radar to Afton, IA?
KDMX (Des Moines, IA), about 54 miles north-northeast. KOAX (Omaha, NE) is 115 miles away and also covers the area.
Does radar show snow in Afton?
Yes. TALON colors snow blue, a rain–snow mix pink and freezing rain purple using NOAA's precipitation-type analysis. Over Afton the lowest scan from KDMX is about 4,000 ft up.
Is TALON's radar for Afton 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 Afton, follow it right away — see watch vs. warning.
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