Ellsworth, IA Live Doppler Radar
Live radar for Ellsworth, Hamilton County: every NWS radar combined, rain, snow and ice colors, flash-flood risk, storm tracks and official warnings.
What weather hits Ellsworth?
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 Ellsworth, 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 Ellsworth get?
A normal year brings about 32 inches of snow to Ellsworth, based on NOAA's 1991–2020 climate normals for the Jewell weather station 3 miles away. The snowiest month is usually December (9.1 in).
| Oct | Nov | Dec | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0.4 | 1.7 | 9.1 | 8.4 | 6.9 | 4.4 | 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 Ellsworth?
The closest NEXRAD Doppler radar is KDMX (Des Moines, IA), about 41 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 Ellsworth | View |
|---|---|---|---|
| KDMX Des Moines, IA | 41 mi south | 2,700 ft | Excellent — the lowest scan sees close to the ground |
| KOAX Omaha, NE | 159 mi west-southwest | 20,000 ft | Limited — the beam overshoots the lowest part of storms |
| KARX La Crosse, WI | 160 mi northeast | 20,100 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 Ellsworth
Since 1950, NOAA has recorded 166 tornadoes within 25 miles of Ellsworth, 33 of them EF2/F2 or stronger. Most came in June and May. The strongest was an F5 on June 13, 1976, which passed about 9 miles south of town. The most recent was a tornado of unknown strength on July 19, 2025, which passed about 14 miles southwest of town.
Hail: 436 reports of 1-inch or larger hail within 25 miles since 1955, 57 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 Ellsworth'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.
Ellsworth radar FAQ
Where is the nearest weather radar to Ellsworth, IA?
KDMX (Des Moines, IA), about 41 miles south. KOAX (Omaha, NE) is 159 miles away and also covers the area.
Does radar show snow in Ellsworth?
Yes. TALON colors snow blue, a rain–snow mix pink and freezing rain purple using NOAA's precipitation-type analysis. Over Ellsworth the lowest scan from KDMX is about 2,700 ft up.
Is TALON's radar for Ellsworth 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 Ellsworth, follow it right away — see watch vs. warning.
Radar for nearby towns
- Jewell Junction, IA radar 3 mi
- Story City, IA radar 9 mi
- Roland, IA radar 11 mi
- Gilbert, IA radar 14 mi
- Webster City, IA radar 16 mi
- Ames, IA radar 20 mi
- Nevada, IA radar 21 mi
- Iowa Falls, IA radar 22 mi
- Boone, IA radar 23 mi
- Eldora, IA radar 25 mi