Parnell, IA Live Doppler Radar
Live radar for Parnell, Iowa County: every NWS radar combined, rain, snow and ice colors, flash-flood risk, storm tracks and official warnings.
What weather hits Parnell?
Since 1996, the National Weather Service has logged heavy snow or a winter storm on 83 days in the Iowa forecast zone and Iowa County — the most common reported hazard around Parnell, mostly in January and December. Next come damaging thunderstorm winds (63 days) and flooding (31 days).
| Hazard | Days reported | Most recent | Worst on record |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heavy snow & winter storms | 83 | Nov 2025 | Jan 5, 2005 · $10,000 damage |
| Damaging thunderstorm winds | 63 | Jun 2026 | Jun 29, 1998 · $800,000 damage |
| Flooding | 31 | Jun 2020 | Jun 1, 2008 · $747,000 damage |
| Flash flooding | 25 | Jul 2025 | Jun 22, 2007 · $750,000 damage |
| Extreme cold & wind chill | 15 | Jan 2019 | — |
| Ice storms & sleet | 10 | Dec 2024 | Feb 24, 2007 · $890,000 damage |
| Blizzards | 9 | Mar 2026 | — |
| High winds | 8 | Feb 2016 | 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 Iowa forecast zone and Iowa County; damage is as reported, not adjusted for inflation.
How much snow does Parnell get?
A normal year brings about 28 inches of snow to Parnell, based on NOAA's 1991–2020 climate normals for the Williamsburg 1E weather station 5.6 miles away. The snowiest month is usually February (7.7 in).
| Oct | Nov | Dec | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0.3 | 1.6 | 6.3 | 7.6 | 7.7 | 3.6 | 0.9 | 0.1 |
Normal snowfall in inches. TALON Pro compares this season's snow at your location with these normals as winter goes on.
Which radars cover Parnell?
The closest NEXRAD Doppler radar is KDVN (Quad Cities, IA), about 74 miles east. 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 Parnell | View |
|---|---|---|---|
| KDVN Quad Cities, IA | 74 mi east | 6,100 ft | Fair — the beam can pass over shallow snow and low-level rotation |
| KDMX Des Moines, IA | 89 mi west | 8,100 ft | Fair — the beam can pass over shallow snow and low-level rotation |
| KARX La Crosse, WI | 160 mi north-northeast | 20,200 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 Parnell
Since 1950, NOAA has recorded 108 tornadoes within 25 miles of Parnell, 27 of them EF2/F2 or stronger. Most came in May and April. The strongest was an F4 on June 7, 1984, which passed about 5 miles southeast of town and caused 3 deaths. The most recent was an EF1 on May 24, 2024, which passed about 19 miles southwest of town.
Hail: 273 reports of 1-inch or larger hail within 25 miles since 1955, 18 of them 2 inches or more; the largest was 2.75-inch hail on May 7, 2023.
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 Parnell'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.
Parnell radar FAQ
Where is the nearest weather radar to Parnell, IA?
KDVN (Quad Cities, IA), about 74 miles east. KDMX (Des Moines, IA) is 89 miles away and also covers the area.
Does radar show snow in Parnell?
Yes. TALON colors snow blue, a rain–snow mix pink and freezing rain purple using NOAA's precipitation-type analysis. Over Parnell the lowest scan from KDVN is about 6,100 ft up, so light snow from shallow clouds can be under-shown — check NWS winter alerts too.
Is TALON's radar for Parnell 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 Parnell, follow it right away — see watch vs. warning.
Radar for nearby towns
- Williamsburg, IA radar 6 mi
- North English, IA radar 6 mi
- Wellman, IA radar 12 mi
- Marengo, IA radar 15 mi
- Kalona, IA radar 17 mi
- Tiffin, IA radar 20 mi
- Sigourney, IA radar 20 mi
- Walford, IA radar 22 mi
- Coralville, IA radar 23 mi
- North Liberty, IA radar 23 mi