Bonaparte, IA Live Doppler Radar
Live radar for Bonaparte, Van Buren County: every NWS radar combined, rain, snow and ice colors, flash-flood risk, storm tracks and official warnings.
What weather hits Bonaparte?
Since 1996, the National Weather Service has logged heavy snow or a winter storm on 64 days in the Van Buren forecast zone and Van Buren County — the most common reported hazard around Bonaparte, mostly in January and December. Next come damaging thunderstorm winds (59 days) and flash flooding (21 days).
| Hazard | Days reported | Most recent | Worst on record |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heavy snow & winter storms | 64 | Nov 2025 | Jan 1, 1999 · 1 death |
| Damaging thunderstorm winds | 59 | Jul 2025 | Jul 8, 2003 · $85,000 damage |
| Flash flooding | 21 | Jul 2021 | Apr 17, 2013 · $250,000 damage |
| Flooding | 17 | May 2021 | Jun 1, 2008 · $540,000 damage |
| Extreme cold & wind chill | 12 | Jan 2019 | — |
| Ice storms & sleet | 9 | Dec 2024 | Feb 24, 2007 · $28,000 damage |
| High winds | 8 | Oct 2008 | Apr 6, 1997 · $100,000 damage |
| Excessive heat | 5 | Aug 2013 | — |
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 Van Buren forecast zone and Van Buren County; damage is as reported, not adjusted for inflation.
How much snow does Bonaparte get?
A normal year brings about 23 inches of snow to Bonaparte, based on NOAA's 1991–2020 climate normals for the Keosauqua weather station 9.2 miles away. The snowiest month is usually January (7.3 in).
| Oct | Nov | Dec | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0.2 | 1.1 | 5.5 | 7.3 | 5.3 | 2.7 | 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 Bonaparte?
The closest NEXRAD Doppler radar is KDVN (Quad Cities, IA), about 89 miles 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 Bonaparte | View |
|---|---|---|---|
| KDVN Quad Cities, IA | 89 mi northeast | 8,100 ft | Fair — the beam can pass over shallow snow and low-level rotation |
| KDMX Des Moines, IA | 123 mi northwest | 13,200 ft | Limited — the beam overshoots the lowest part of storms |
| KILX Lincoln, IL | 135 mi east-southeast | 15,300 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 Bonaparte
Since 1950, NOAA has recorded 93 tornadoes within 25 miles of Bonaparte, 27 of them EF2/F2 or stronger. Most came in May and April. The strongest was an F4 on January 24, 1967, which passed about 23 miles west of town. The most recent was a tornado of unknown strength on August 11, 2025, which touched down about 8 miles north of town.
Hail: 281 reports of 1-inch or larger hail within 25 miles since 1955, 26 of them 2 inches or more; the largest was 4.00-inch hail on April 8, 2020.
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 Bonaparte'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.
Bonaparte radar FAQ
Where is the nearest weather radar to Bonaparte, IA?
KDVN (Quad Cities, IA), about 89 miles northeast. KDMX (Des Moines, IA) is 123 miles away and also covers the area.
Does radar show snow in Bonaparte?
Yes. TALON colors snow blue, a rain–snow mix pink and freezing rain purple using NOAA's precipitation-type analysis. Over Bonaparte the lowest scan from KDVN is about 8,100 ft up, so light snow from shallow clouds can be under-shown — check NWS winter alerts too.
Is TALON's radar for Bonaparte 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 Bonaparte, follow it right away — see watch vs. warning.
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