Fenton, IA Live Doppler Radar
Live radar for Fenton, Kossuth County: every NWS radar combined, rain, snow and ice colors, flash-flood risk, storm tracks and official warnings.
What weather hits Fenton?
Since 1996, the National Weather Service has logged damaging thunderstorm winds on 84 days in the Kossuth forecast zone and Kossuth County — the most common reported hazard around Fenton, mostly in June and July. Next come flooding (61 days) and heavy snow & winter storms (61 days).
| Hazard | Days reported | Most recent | Worst on record |
|---|---|---|---|
| Damaging thunderstorm winds | 84 | Jul 2025 | May 15, 1998 · $550,000 damage |
| Flooding | 61 | Jul 2024 | Jun 12, 2010 · $40 million damage |
| Heavy snow & winter storms | 61 | Jan 2024 | Feb 24, 2007 · $250,000 damage |
| High winds | 49 | Mar 2025 | Nov 10, 1998 · $305,000 damage |
| Blizzards | 39 | Mar 2025 | Jan 25, 2010 · 1 death · $75,000 damage |
| Extreme cold & wind chill | 27 | Jan 2025 | Sep 21, 1999 · $294,000 damage |
| Flash flooding | 18 | Jun 2024 | Jul 9, 2000 · $800,000 damage |
| Ice storms & sleet | 14 | Jan 2023 | Feb 20, 2011 · $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 Kossuth forecast zone and Kossuth County; damage is as reported, not adjusted for inflation.
Which radars cover Fenton?
The closest NEXRAD Doppler radar is KDMX (Des Moines, IA), about 109 miles south-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 Fenton | View |
|---|---|---|---|
| KDMX Des Moines, IA | 109 mi south-southeast | 10,900 ft | Limited — the beam overshoots the lowest part of storms |
| KFSD Sioux Falls, SD | 118 mi west-northwest | 12,500 ft | Limited — the beam overshoots the lowest part of storms |
| KMPX Minneapolis, MN | 121 mi north-northeast | 12,800 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 Fenton
Since 1950, NOAA has recorded 71 tornadoes within 25 miles of Fenton, 19 of them EF2/F2 or stronger. Most came in June and July. The strongest was an F4 on August 29, 1964, which passed about 19 miles east-southeast of town. The most recent was an EF1 on December 15, 2021, which passed about 16 miles west of town.
Hail: 278 reports of 1-inch or larger hail within 25 miles since 1955, 41 of them 2 inches or more; the largest was 4.50-inch hail on June 29, 1993.
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 Fenton'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.
Fenton radar FAQ
Where is the nearest weather radar to Fenton, IA?
KDMX (Des Moines, IA), about 109 miles south-southeast. KFSD (Sioux Falls, SD) is 118 miles away and also covers the area.
Does radar show snow in Fenton?
Yes. TALON colors snow blue, a rain–snow mix pink and freezing rain purple using NOAA's precipitation-type analysis. Over Fenton the lowest scan from KDMX is about 10,900 ft up, so light snow from shallow clouds can be under-shown — check NWS winter alerts too.
Is TALON's radar for Fenton 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 Fenton, follow it right away — see watch vs. warning.
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