Blairsburg, IA Live Doppler Radar
Live radar for Blairsburg, Hamilton County: every NWS radar combined, rain, snow and ice colors, flash-flood risk, storm tracks and official warnings.
What weather hits Blairsburg?
Since 1996, the National Weather Service has logged damaging thunderstorm winds on 67 days in the Hamilton forecast zone and Hamilton County — the most common reported hazard around Blairsburg, mostly in June and July. Next come high winds (51 days) and heavy snow & winter storms (48 days).
| Hazard | Days reported | Most recent | Worst on record |
|---|---|---|---|
| Damaging thunderstorm winds | 67 | Sep 2025 | Jul 18, 2010 · $350,000 damage |
| High winds | 51 | Feb 2026 | Nov 10, 1998 · 1 death · $305,000 damage |
| Heavy snow & winter storms | 48 | Feb 2026 | Feb 24, 2007 · $250,000 damage |
| Flooding | 48 | Mar 2019 | Jun 12, 2010 · $20 million damage |
| Blizzards | 29 | Mar 2025 | Dec 20, 2012 · $100,000 damage |
| Extreme cold & wind chill | 24 | Jan 2025 | Sep 21, 1999 · $294,000 damage |
| Ice storms & sleet | 13 | Jan 2023 | Dec 23, 2009 · $500,000 damage |
| Flash flooding | 13 | Jun 2018 | Jun 7, 2008 · 1 death · $50,000 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 Hamilton forecast zone and Hamilton County; damage is as reported, not adjusted for inflation.
How much snow does Blairsburg get?
A normal year brings about 26 inches of snow to Blairsburg, based on NOAA's 1991–2020 climate normals for the Williams weather station 5.2 miles away. The snowiest month is usually January (7.3 in).
| Oct | Nov | Dec | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0.4 | 1.9 | 6.9 | 7.3 | 4.7 | 3.6 | 1.3 | 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 Blairsburg?
The closest NEXRAD Doppler radar is KDMX (Des Moines, IA), about 52 miles south. 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 Blairsburg | View |
|---|---|---|---|
| KDMX Des Moines, IA | 52 mi south | 3,700 ft | Good — most storms and steady rain or snow show clearly |
| KARX La Crosse, WI | 155 mi northeast | 19,100 ft | Limited — the beam overshoots the lowest part of storms |
| KOAX Omaha, NE | 161 mi west-southwest | 20,500 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 Blairsburg
Since 1950, NOAA has recorded 144 tornadoes within 25 miles of Blairsburg, 28 of them EF2/F2 or stronger. Most came in June and July. The strongest was an F5 on October 14, 1966, which passed about 22 miles north of town and caused 6 deaths. The most recent was a tornado of unknown strength on July 19, 2025, which passed about 23 miles south-southwest of town.
Hail: 301 reports of 1-inch or larger hail within 25 miles since 1955, 32 of them 2 inches or more; the largest was 5.00-inch hail on May 30, 1998.
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 Blairsburg'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.
Blairsburg radar FAQ
Where is the nearest weather radar to Blairsburg, IA?
KDMX (Des Moines, IA), about 52 miles south. KARX (La Crosse, WI) is 155 miles away and also covers the area.
Does radar show snow in Blairsburg?
Yes. TALON colors snow blue, a rain–snow mix pink and freezing rain purple using NOAA's precipitation-type analysis. Over Blairsburg the lowest scan from KDMX is about 3,700 ft up.
Is TALON's radar for Blairsburg 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 Blairsburg, follow it right away — see watch vs. warning.
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