Osceola, IA Live Doppler Radar
Live radar for Osceola, Clarke County: every NWS radar combined, rain, snow and ice colors, flash-flood risk, storm tracks and official warnings.
What weather hits Osceola?
Since 1996, the National Weather Service has logged damaging thunderstorm winds on 55 days in the Clarke forecast zone and Clarke County — the most common reported hazard around Osceola, mostly in June and May. Next come heavy snow & winter storms (49 days) and flooding (41 days).
| Hazard | Days reported | Most recent | Worst on record |
|---|---|---|---|
| Damaging thunderstorm winds | 55 | Sep 2025 | May 17, 2015 · $250,000 damage |
| Heavy snow & winter storms | 49 | Feb 2025 | Mar 7, 1998 · 1 death · $50,000 damage |
| Flooding | 41 | Mar 2019 | Jun 12, 2010 · $20 million damage |
| High winds | 23 | Mar 2025 | Nov 10, 1998 · $305,000 damage |
| Ice storms & sleet | 15 | Jan 2017 | Dec 10, 2007 · $150,000 damage |
| Flash flooding | 15 | Aug 2025 | Aug 23, 2014 · $250,000 damage |
| Extreme cold & wind chill | 14 | Jan 2025 | Sep 21, 1999 · $294,000 damage |
| Blizzards | 10 | Mar 2025 | Dec 20, 2012 · $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 Clarke forecast zone and Clarke County; damage is as reported, not adjusted for inflation.
How much snow does Osceola get?
A normal year brings about 28 inches of snow to Osceola, based on NOAA's 1991–2020 climate normals for the Osceola weather station 2.2 miles away. The snowiest month is usually January (8.2 in).
| Oct | Nov | Dec | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0.5 | 2.1 | 5.7 | 8.2 | 7.2 | 3.1 | 1.1 | 0.2 |
Normal snowfall in inches. TALON Pro compares this season's snow at your location with these normals as winter goes on.
Which radars cover Osceola?
The closest NEXRAD Doppler radar is KDMX (Des Moines, IA), about 48 miles north. 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 Osceola | View |
|---|---|---|---|
| KDMX Des Moines, IA | 48 mi north | 3,400 ft | Good — most storms and steady rain or snow show clearly |
| KOAX Omaha, NE | 136 mi west | 15,500 ft | Limited — the beam overshoots the lowest part of storms |
| KEAX Kansas City, MO | 156 mi south | 19,300 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 Osceola
Since 1950, NOAA has recorded 94 tornadoes within 25 miles of Osceola, 30 of them EF2/F2 or stronger. Most came in June and April. The strongest was an EF4 on March 5, 2022, which passed about 23 miles north-northwest of town and caused 6 deaths. The most recent was an EF0 on May 21, 2024, which passed about 24 miles west-northwest of town.
Hail: 386 reports of 1-inch or larger hail within 25 miles since 1955, 42 of them 2 inches or more; the largest was 4.00-inch hail on July 3, 2001.
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 Osceola'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.
Osceola radar FAQ
Where is the nearest weather radar to Osceola, IA?
KDMX (Des Moines, IA), about 48 miles north. KOAX (Omaha, NE) is 136 miles away and also covers the area.
Does radar show snow in Osceola?
Yes. TALON colors snow blue, a rain–snow mix pink and freezing rain purple using NOAA's precipitation-type analysis. Over Osceola the lowest scan from KDMX is about 3,400 ft up.
Is TALON's radar for Osceola 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 Osceola, follow it right away — see watch vs. warning.
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