Martelle, IA Live Doppler Radar
Live radar for Martelle, Jones County: every NWS radar combined, rain, snow and ice colors, flash-flood risk, storm tracks and official warnings.
What weather hits Martelle?
Since 1996, the National Weather Service has logged damaging thunderstorm winds on 104 days in the Jones forecast zone and Jones County — the most common reported hazard around Martelle, mostly in July and June. Next come heavy snow & winter storms (89 days) and flooding (23 days).
| Hazard | Days reported | Most recent | Worst on record |
|---|---|---|---|
| Damaging thunderstorm winds | 104 | Jun 2026 | Jul 22, 2011 · $1.0 million damage |
| Heavy snow & winter storms | 89 | Nov 2025 | Jan 5, 2005 · $10,000 damage |
| Flooding | 23 | Sep 2018 | Jul 23, 2010 · $15 million damage |
| Extreme cold & wind chill | 18 | Jan 2019 | — |
| Flash flooding | 18 | May 2022 | Jul 23, 2016 · $2.0 million damage |
| High winds | 13 | Dec 2021 | Jun 10, 2003 · $150,000 damage |
| Blizzards | 10 | Mar 2026 | Jan 22, 2005 · $5,000 damage |
| Ice storms & sleet | 10 | Dec 2024 | Feb 24, 2007 · $208,000 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 Jones forecast zone and Jones County; damage is as reported, not adjusted for inflation.
How much snow does Martelle get?
A normal year brings about 34 inches of snow to Martelle, based on NOAA's 1991–2020 climate normals for the Cedar Rapids #1 weather station 12 miles away. The snowiest month is usually December (9.0 in).
| Oct | Nov | Dec | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0.6 | 2.2 | 9.0 | 8.7 | 8.3 | 4.0 | 1.5 | 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 Martelle?
The closest NEXRAD Doppler radar is KDVN (Quad Cities, IA), about 49 miles 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 Martelle | View |
|---|---|---|---|
| KDVN Quad Cities, IA | 49 mi southeast | 3,500 ft | Good — most storms and steady rain or snow show clearly |
| KDMX Des Moines, IA | 123 mi west | 13,300 ft | Limited — the beam overshoots the lowest part of storms |
| KARX La Crosse, WI | 125 mi north | 13,500 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 Martelle
Since 1950, NOAA has recorded 157 tornadoes within 25 miles of Martelle, 38 of them EF2/F2 or stronger. Most came in May and July. The strongest was an F4 on April 11, 1965, which passed about 25 miles east-southeast of town and caused 1 death. The most recent was an EF1 on July 11, 2025, which passed about 24 miles west-northwest of town.
Hail: 413 reports of 1-inch or larger hail within 25 miles since 1955, 42 of them 2 inches or more; the largest was 4.50-inch hail on June 18, 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 Martelle'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.
Martelle radar FAQ
Where is the nearest weather radar to Martelle, IA?
KDVN (Quad Cities, IA), about 49 miles southeast. KDMX (Des Moines, IA) is 123 miles away and also covers the area.
Does radar show snow in Martelle?
Yes. TALON colors snow blue, a rain–snow mix pink and freezing rain purple using NOAA's precipitation-type analysis. Over Martelle the lowest scan from KDVN is about 3,500 ft up.
Is TALON's radar for Martelle 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 Martelle, follow it right away — see watch vs. warning.
Radar for nearby towns
- Springville, IA radar 5 mi
- Lisbon, IA radar 7 mi
- Anamosa, IA radar 7 mi
- Mount Vernon, IA radar 7 mi
- Marion, IA radar 12 mi
- Central City, IA radar 15 mi
- Ely, IA radar 15 mi
- Solon, IA radar 16 mi
- Robins, IA radar 17 mi
- Cedar Rapids, IA radar 17 mi