Eldora, IA Live Doppler Radar
Live radar for Eldora, Hardin County: every NWS radar combined, rain, snow and ice colors, flash-flood risk, storm tracks and official warnings.
What weather hits Eldora?
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 Eldora, 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 Eldora get?
A normal year brings about 33 inches of snow to Eldora, based on NOAA's 1991–2020 climate normals for the Eldora weather station in town. The snowiest month is usually February (8.8 in).
| Oct | Nov | Dec | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0.3 | 1.8 | 8.4 | 8.1 | 8.8 | 4.0 | 1.4 | 0.4 |
Normal snowfall in inches. TALON Pro compares this season's snow at your location with these normals as winter goes on.
Which radars cover Eldora?
The closest NEXRAD Doppler radar is KDMX (Des Moines, IA), about 54 miles 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 Eldora | View |
|---|---|---|---|
| KDMX Des Moines, IA | 54 mi southwest | 3,900 ft | Good — most storms and steady rain or snow show clearly |
| KDVN Quad Cities, IA | 139 mi east-southeast | 16,100 ft | Limited — the beam overshoots the lowest part of storms |
| KARX La Crosse, WI | 140 mi northeast | 16,200 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 Eldora
Since 1950, NOAA has recorded 137 tornadoes within 25 miles of Eldora, 21 of them EF2/F2 or stronger. Most came in June and May. The strongest was an EF5 on May 25, 2008, which passed about 17 miles northeast of town and caused 9 deaths. The most recent was a tornado of unknown strength on August 18, 2025, which touched down about 9 miles north-northeast of town.
Hail: 287 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 Eldora'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.
Eldora radar FAQ
Where is the nearest weather radar to Eldora, IA?
KDMX (Des Moines, IA), about 54 miles southwest. KDVN (Quad Cities, IA) is 139 miles away and also covers the area.
Does radar show snow in Eldora?
Yes. TALON colors snow blue, a rain–snow mix pink and freezing rain purple using NOAA's precipitation-type analysis. Over Eldora the lowest scan from KDMX is about 3,900 ft up.
Is TALON's radar for Eldora 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 Eldora, follow it right away — see watch vs. warning.
Radar for nearby towns
- Ackley, IA radar 13 mi
- Iowa Falls, IA radar 14 mi
- Conrad, IA radar 15 mi
- Grundy Center, IA radar 17 mi
- Aplington, IA radar 19 mi
- Parkersburg, IA radar 22 mi
- State Center, IA radar 24 mi
- Roland, IA radar 25 mi
- Marshalltown, IA radar 25 mi
- Dike, IA radar 25 mi