Macksburg, IA Live Doppler Radar
Live radar for Macksburg, Madison County: every NWS radar combined, rain, snow and ice colors, flash-flood risk, storm tracks and official warnings.
What weather hits Macksburg?
Since 1996, the National Weather Service has logged damaging thunderstorm winds on 60 days in the Madison forecast zone and Madison County — the most common reported hazard around Macksburg, mostly in June and May. Next come heavy snow & winter storms (50 days) and flooding (30 days).
| Hazard | Days reported | Most recent | Worst on record |
|---|---|---|---|
| Damaging thunderstorm winds | 60 | Jun 2025 | Feb 25, 2000 · $200,000 damage |
| Heavy snow & winter storms | 50 | Feb 2025 | Oct 26, 1997 · $3.2 million damage |
| Flooding | 30 | Mar 2019 | Jun 12, 2010 · $20 million damage |
| High winds | 25 | Mar 2025 | Nov 10, 1998 · $305,000 damage |
| Extreme cold & wind chill | 16 | Jan 2025 | Sep 21, 1999 · $294,000 damage |
| Blizzards | 14 | Mar 2025 | Dec 20, 2012 · $100,000 damage |
| Ice storms & sleet | 13 | Jan 2017 | Jan 20, 2010 · $100,000 damage |
| Flash flooding | 12 | Jul 2025 | Jul 28, 2015 · $650,000 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 Madison forecast zone and Madison County; damage is as reported, not adjusted for inflation.
How much snow does Macksburg get?
A normal year brings about 28 inches of snow to Macksburg, based on NOAA's 1991–2020 climate normals for the Lorimor weather station 9.3 miles away. The snowiest month is usually February (8.8 in).
| Oct | Nov | Dec | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0.5 | 2.2 | 4.6 | 7.6 | 8.8 | 3.1 | 0.9 | 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 Macksburg?
The closest NEXRAD Doppler radar is KDMX (Des Moines, IA), about 43 miles north-northeast. 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 Macksburg | View |
|---|---|---|---|
| KDMX Des Moines, IA | 43 mi north-northeast | 2,900 ft | Excellent — the lowest scan sees close to the ground |
| KOAX Omaha, NE | 114 mi west | 11,700 ft | Limited — the beam overshoots the lowest part of storms |
| KEAX Kansas City, MO | 166 mi south | 21,500 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 Macksburg
Since 1950, NOAA has recorded 126 tornadoes within 25 miles of Macksburg, 30 of them EF2/F2 or stronger. Most came in June and May. The strongest was an EF4 on March 5, 2022, which passed about 2 miles north-northwest of town and caused 6 deaths. The most recent was an EF1 on April 17, 2025, which passed about 22 miles south-southwest of town.
Hail: 457 reports of 1-inch or larger hail within 25 miles since 1955, 50 of them 2 inches or more; the largest was 4.50-inch hail on April 20, 1961.
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 Macksburg'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.
Macksburg radar FAQ
Where is the nearest weather radar to Macksburg, IA?
KDMX (Des Moines, IA), about 43 miles north-northeast. KOAX (Omaha, NE) is 114 miles away and also covers the area.
Does radar show snow in Macksburg?
Yes. TALON colors snow blue, a rain–snow mix pink and freezing rain purple using NOAA's precipitation-type analysis. Over Macksburg the lowest scan from KDMX is about 2,900 ft up.
Is TALON's radar for Macksburg 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 Macksburg, follow it right away — see watch vs. warning.
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