Marshalltown, IA Live Doppler Radar
Live radar for Marshalltown, Marshall County: every NWS radar combined, rain, snow and ice colors, flash-flood risk, storm tracks and official warnings.
What weather hits Marshalltown?
Since 1996, the National Weather Service has logged damaging thunderstorm winds on 87 days in the Marshall forecast zone and Marshall County — the most common reported hazard around Marshalltown, mostly in June and May. Next come flooding (60 days) and high winds (47 days).
| Hazard | Days reported | Most recent | Worst on record |
|---|---|---|---|
| Damaging thunderstorm winds | 87 | Jul 2025 | Jul 11, 2011 · $550,000 damage |
| Flooding | 60 | May 2024 | Jun 1, 2008 · $250 million damage |
| High winds | 47 | Apr 2025 | Nov 10, 1998 · $305,000 damage |
| Heavy snow & winter storms | 46 | Feb 2026 | Oct 26, 1997 · $3.2 million damage |
| Extreme cold & wind chill | 20 | Jan 2025 | Sep 21, 1999 · $294,000 damage |
| Blizzards | 16 | Mar 2025 | Dec 20, 2012 · $100,000 damage |
| Flash flooding | 15 | Apr 2022 | Jun 22, 2007 · $400,000 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 Marshall forecast zone and Marshall County; damage is as reported, not adjusted for inflation.
How much snow does Marshalltown get?
A normal year brings about 25 inches of snow to Marshalltown, based on NOAA's 1991–2020 climate normals for the Marshalltown weather station 2.3 miles away. The snowiest month is usually December (7.8 in).
| Oct | Nov | Dec | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0.2 | 1.7 | 7.8 | 6.3 | 5.3 | 3.3 | 0.7 | 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 Marshalltown?
The closest NEXRAD Doppler radar is KDMX (Des Moines, IA), about 47 miles west-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 Marshalltown | View |
|---|---|---|---|
| KDMX Des Moines, IA | 47 mi west-southwest | 3,300 ft | Good — most storms and steady rain or snow show clearly |
| KDVN Quad Cities, IA | 123 mi east-southeast | 13,300 ft | Limited — the beam overshoots the lowest part of storms |
| KARX La Crosse, WI | 151 mi northeast | 18,400 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 Marshalltown
Since 1950, NOAA has recorded 126 tornadoes within 25 miles of Marshalltown, 33 of them EF2/F2 or stronger. Most came in June and May. The strongest was an EF4 on March 5, 2022, which passed about 21 miles south-southwest of town and caused 6 deaths. The most recent was a tornado of unknown strength on June 25, 2024, which touched down about 24 miles south-southwest of town.
Hail: 294 reports of 1-inch or larger hail within 25 miles since 1955, 40 of them 2 inches or more; the largest was 4.50-inch hail on July 7, 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 Marshalltown'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.
Marshalltown radar FAQ
Where is the nearest weather radar to Marshalltown, IA?
KDMX (Des Moines, IA), about 47 miles west-southwest. KDVN (Quad Cities, IA) is 123 miles away and also covers the area.
Does radar show snow in Marshalltown?
Yes. TALON colors snow blue, a rain–snow mix pink and freezing rain purple using NOAA's precipitation-type analysis. Over Marshalltown the lowest scan from KDMX is about 3,300 ft up.
Is TALON's radar for Marshalltown 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 Marshalltown, follow it right away — see watch vs. warning.
Radar for nearby towns
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- Newton, IA radar 24 mi
- Eldora, IA radar 25 mi
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