Alden, IA Live Doppler Radar
Live radar for Alden, Hardin County: every NWS radar combined, rain, snow and ice colors, flash-flood risk, storm tracks and official warnings.
What weather hits Alden?
Since 1996, the National Weather Service has logged damaging thunderstorm winds on 80 days in the Hardin forecast zone and Hardin County — the most common reported hazard around Alden, mostly in June and August. Next come heavy snow & winter storms (51 days) and high winds (39 days).
| Hazard | Days reported | Most recent | Worst on record |
|---|---|---|---|
| Damaging thunderstorm winds | 80 | Aug 2025 | Aug 9, 2009 · $1.5 million damage |
| Heavy snow & winter storms | 51 | Feb 2026 | Feb 24, 2007 · $250,000 damage |
| High winds | 39 | Mar 2025 | Nov 10, 1998 · $305,000 damage |
| Flooding | 36 | Dec 2015 | Jun 12, 2010 · $20 million damage |
| Blizzards | 27 | Mar 2025 | Dec 20, 2012 · $100,000 damage |
| Extreme cold & wind chill | 23 | Jan 2025 | Sep 21, 1999 · $294,000 damage |
| Flash flooding | 16 | May 2024 | Jun 22, 2007 · $350,000 damage |
| Ice storms & sleet | 13 | Feb 2023 | Jan 20, 2010 · $100,000 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 Hardin forecast zone and Hardin County; damage is as reported, not adjusted for inflation.
How much snow does Alden get?
A normal year brings about 30 inches of snow to Alden, based on NOAA's 1991–2020 climate normals for the Popejoy 1S weather station 5.9 miles away. The snowiest month is usually January (8.7 in).
| Oct | Nov | Dec | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0.2 | 1.9 | 6.7 | 8.7 | 6.6 | 4.1 | 1.8 | 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 Alden?
The closest NEXRAD Doppler radar is KDMX (Des Moines, IA), about 57 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 Alden | View |
|---|---|---|---|
| KDMX Des Moines, IA | 57 mi south-southwest | 4,200 ft | Good — most storms and steady rain or snow show clearly |
| KARX La Crosse, WI | 143 mi northeast | 16,800 ft | Limited — the beam overshoots the lowest part of storms |
| KDVN Quad Cities, IA | 157 mi east-southeast | 19,500 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 Alden
Since 1950, NOAA has recorded 136 tornadoes within 25 miles of Alden, 25 of them EF2/F2 or stronger. Most came in June and May. The strongest was an F5 on May 15, 1968, which passed about 22 miles northeast of town and caused 13 deaths. The most recent was a tornado of unknown strength on August 18, 2025, which touched down about 18 miles east of town.
Hail: 295 reports of 1-inch or larger hail within 25 miles since 1955, 30 of them 2 inches or more; the largest was 3.00-inch hail on August 9, 2009.
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 Alden'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.
Alden radar FAQ
Where is the nearest weather radar to Alden, IA?
KDMX (Des Moines, IA), about 57 miles south-southwest. KARX (La Crosse, WI) is 143 miles away and also covers the area.
Does radar show snow in Alden?
Yes. TALON colors snow blue, a rain–snow mix pink and freezing rain purple using NOAA's precipitation-type analysis. Over Alden the lowest scan from KDMX is about 4,200 ft up.
Is TALON's radar for Alden 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 Alden, follow it right away — see watch vs. warning.
Radar for nearby towns
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- Ackley, IA radar 17 mi
- Eldora, IA radar 18 mi
- Hampton, IA radar 18 mi
- Jewell Junction, IA radar 19 mi
- Webster City, IA radar 23 mi
- Clarion, IA radar 23 mi
- Roland, IA radar 25 mi
- Story City, IA radar 25 mi
- Aplington, IA radar 26 mi