Brandon, IA Live Doppler Radar
Live radar for Brandon, Buchanan County: every NWS radar combined, rain, snow and ice colors, flash-flood risk, storm tracks and official warnings.
What weather hits Brandon?
Since 1996, the National Weather Service has logged damaging thunderstorm winds on 107 days in the Buchanan forecast zone and Buchanan County — the most common reported hazard around Brandon, mostly in July and June. Next come heavy snow & winter storms (84 days) and flash flooding (39 days).
| Hazard | Days reported | Most recent | Worst on record |
|---|---|---|---|
| Damaging thunderstorm winds | 107 | Jun 2026 | Jun 18, 1998 · $1.8 million damage |
| Heavy snow & winter storms | 84 | Nov 2025 | Feb 24, 2007 · $755,000 damage |
| Flash flooding | 39 | Jul 2025 | May 23, 2004 · 1 death |
| Flooding | 26 | Jun 2020 | Jun 1, 2008 · $3.1 million damage |
| Extreme cold & wind chill | 17 | Jan 2019 | — |
| Blizzards | 12 | Mar 2026 | Jan 22, 2005 · $5,000 damage |
| High winds | 12 | Dec 2021 | Apr 6, 1997 · $100,000 damage |
| Ice storms & sleet | 9 | Dec 2024 | Jan 1, 2005 · $5,000 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 Buchanan forecast zone and Buchanan County; damage is as reported, not adjusted for inflation.
How much snow does Brandon get?
A normal year brings about 34 inches of snow to Brandon, based on NOAA's 1991–2020 climate normals for the Vinton weather station 10 miles away. The snowiest month is usually December (8.8 in).
| Oct | Nov | Dec | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0.4 | 1.8 | 8.8 | 8.3 | 8.5 | 4.4 | 1.4 | 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 Brandon?
The closest NEXRAD Doppler radar is KDVN (Quad Cities, IA), about 88 miles east-southeast. 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 Brandon | View |
|---|---|---|---|
| KDVN Quad Cities, IA | 88 mi east-southeast | 7,900 ft | Fair — the beam can pass over shallow snow and low-level rotation |
| KDMX Des Moines, IA | 97 mi west-southwest | 9,200 ft | Fair — the beam can pass over shallow snow and low-level rotation |
| KARX La Crosse, WI | 112 mi north-northeast | 11,400 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 Brandon
Since 1950, NOAA has recorded 152 tornadoes within 25 miles of Brandon, 38 of them EF2/F2 or stronger. Most came in May and June. The strongest was an EF5 on May 25, 2008, which passed about 22 miles north of town and caused 9 deaths. The most recent was an EF1 on July 11, 2025, which passed about 22 miles south-southwest of town.
Hail: 368 reports of 1-inch or larger hail within 25 miles since 1955, 31 of them 2 inches or more; the largest was 4.00-inch hail on May 11, 1970.
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 Brandon'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.
Brandon radar FAQ
Where is the nearest weather radar to Brandon, IA?
KDVN (Quad Cities, IA), about 88 miles east-southeast. KDMX (Des Moines, IA) is 97 miles away and also covers the area.
Does radar show snow in Brandon?
Yes. TALON colors snow blue, a rain–snow mix pink and freezing rain purple using NOAA's precipitation-type analysis. Over Brandon the lowest scan from KDVN is about 7,900 ft up, so light snow from shallow clouds can be under-shown — check NWS winter alerts too.
Is TALON's radar for Brandon 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 Brandon, follow it right away — see watch vs. warning.
Radar for nearby towns
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