Martinsburg, IA Live Doppler Radar
Live radar for Martinsburg, Keokuk County: every NWS radar combined, rain, snow and ice colors, flash-flood risk, storm tracks and official warnings.
What weather hits Martinsburg?
Since 1996, the National Weather Service has logged heavy snow or a winter storm on 72 days in the Keokuk forecast zone and Keokuk County — the most common reported hazard around Martinsburg, mostly in January and December. Next come damaging thunderstorm winds (61 days) and flooding (24 days).
| Hazard | Days reported | Most recent | Worst on record |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heavy snow & winter storms | 72 | Nov 2025 | Jan 6, 2005 · $10,000 damage |
| Damaging thunderstorm winds | 61 | Jun 2026 | Aug 3, 2010 · $100,000 damage |
| Flooding | 24 | Mar 2019 | Jun 1, 2008 · $570,000 damage |
| Flash flooding | 15 | Jul 2024 | Jun 15, 2010 · $100,000 damage |
| Extreme cold & wind chill | 12 | Jan 2019 | — |
| Ice storms & sleet | 9 | Dec 2024 | Feb 24, 2007 · $291,000 damage |
| Blizzards | 8 | Mar 2026 | — |
| High winds | 7 | Oct 2008 | Apr 6, 1997 · $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 Keokuk forecast zone and Keokuk County; damage is as reported, not adjusted for inflation.
How much snow does Martinsburg get?
A normal year brings about 24 inches of snow to Martinsburg, based on NOAA's 1991–2020 climate normals for the Ottumwa Industrial Ap weather station 11.3 miles away. The snowiest month is usually January (7.1 in).
| Oct | Nov | Dec | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0.5 | 1.6 | 4.2 | 7.1 | 5.8 | 3.0 | 1.4 | 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 Martinsburg?
The closest NEXRAD Doppler radar is KDMX (Des Moines, IA), about 85 miles west-northwest. 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 Martinsburg | View |
|---|---|---|---|
| KDMX Des Moines, IA | 85 mi west-northwest | 7,600 ft | Fair — the beam can pass over shallow snow and low-level rotation |
| KDVN Quad Cities, IA | 92 mi east-northeast | 8,400 ft | Fair — the beam can pass over shallow snow and low-level rotation |
| KILX Lincoln, IL | 169 mi east-southeast | 22,000 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 Martinsburg
Since 1950, NOAA has recorded 89 tornadoes within 25 miles of Martinsburg, 24 of them EF2/F2 or stronger. Most came in June and April. The strongest was an F4 on June 7, 1984, which passed about 11 miles northwest of town and caused 3 deaths. The most recent was an EF1 on May 24, 2024, which passed about 12 miles north-northwest of town.
Hail: 237 reports of 1-inch or larger hail within 25 miles since 1955, 24 of them 2 inches or more; the largest was 4.50-inch hail on August 28, 1990.
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 Martinsburg'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.
Martinsburg radar FAQ
Where is the nearest weather radar to Martinsburg, IA?
KDMX (Des Moines, IA), about 85 miles west-northwest. KDVN (Quad Cities, IA) is 92 miles away and also covers the area.
Does radar show snow in Martinsburg?
Yes. TALON colors snow blue, a rain–snow mix pink and freezing rain purple using NOAA's precipitation-type analysis. Over Martinsburg the lowest scan from KDMX is about 7,600 ft up, so light snow from shallow clouds can be under-shown — check NWS winter alerts too.
Is TALON's radar for Martinsburg 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 Martinsburg, follow it right away — see watch vs. warning.
Radar for nearby towns
- Sigourney, IA radar 11 mi
- Ottumwa, IA radar 14 mi
- Fairfield, IA radar 19 mi
- Oskaloosa, IA radar 22 mi
- North English, IA radar 25 mi
- New Sharon, IA radar 29 mi
- Wellman, IA radar 30 mi
- Washington, IA radar 30 mi
- Albia, IA radar 31 mi
- Bloomfield, IA radar 31 mi