Grinnell, IA Live Doppler Radar
Live radar for Grinnell, Poweshiek County: every NWS radar combined, rain, snow and ice colors, flash-flood risk, storm tracks and official warnings.
What weather hits Grinnell?
Since 1996, the National Weather Service has logged damaging thunderstorm winds on 57 days in the Poweshiek forecast zone and Poweshiek County — the most common reported hazard around Grinnell, mostly in June and July. Next come heavy snow & winter storms (47 days) and high winds (28 days).
| Hazard | Days reported | Most recent | Worst on record |
|---|---|---|---|
| Damaging thunderstorm winds | 57 | Jul 2025 | Aug 10, 2020 · 1 death |
| Heavy snow & winter storms | 47 | Feb 2025 | Jan 26, 1996 · 2 deaths |
| High winds | 28 | Mar 2025 | Nov 10, 1998 · $305,000 damage |
| Flooding | 23 | May 2024 | Jun 12, 2010 · $20 million damage |
| Extreme cold & wind chill | 19 | Jan 2025 | Sep 21, 1999 · $294,000 damage |
| Blizzards | 12 | Jan 2024 | Dec 20, 2012 · $100,000 damage |
| Ice storms & sleet | 12 | Dec 2024 | Jan 20, 2010 · $100,000 damage |
| Flash flooding | 5 | Sep 2018 | Sep 5, 2018 · $150,000 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 Poweshiek forecast zone and Poweshiek County; damage is as reported, not adjusted for inflation.
How much snow does Grinnell get?
A normal year brings about 31 inches of snow to Grinnell, based on NOAA's 1991–2020 climate normals for the Grinnell 3 Sw weather station 1.6 miles away. The snowiest month is usually February (9.1 in).
| Oct | Nov | Dec | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0.5 | 1.5 | 6.9 | 9.0 | 9.1 | 3.4 | 0.6 | 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 Grinnell?
The closest NEXRAD Doppler radar is KDMX (Des Moines, IA), about 51 miles west. 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 Grinnell | View |
|---|---|---|---|
| KDMX Des Moines, IA | 51 mi west | 3,700 ft | Good — most storms and steady rain or snow show clearly |
| KDVN Quad Cities, IA | 111 mi east | 11,300 ft | Limited — the beam overshoots the lowest part of storms |
| KARX La Crosse, WI | 164 mi north-northeast | 21,000 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 Grinnell
Since 1950, NOAA has recorded 116 tornadoes within 25 miles of Grinnell, 31 of them EF2/F2 or stronger. Most came in May and June. The strongest was an EF4 on March 5, 2022, which passed about 15 miles west of town and caused 6 deaths. The most recent was a tornado of unknown strength on June 25, 2024, which touched down about 20 miles west of town.
Hail: 292 reports of 1-inch or larger hail within 25 miles since 1955, 37 of them 2 inches or more; the largest was 4.75-inch hail on May 8, 2003.
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 Grinnell'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.
Grinnell radar FAQ
Where is the nearest weather radar to Grinnell, IA?
KDMX (Des Moines, IA), about 51 miles west. KDVN (Quad Cities, IA) is 111 miles away and also covers the area.
Does radar show snow in Grinnell?
Yes. TALON colors snow blue, a rain–snow mix pink and freezing rain purple using NOAA's precipitation-type analysis. Over Grinnell the lowest scan from KDMX is about 3,700 ft up.
Is TALON's radar for Grinnell 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 Grinnell, follow it right away — see watch vs. warning.
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