Rathbun, IA Live Doppler Radar
Live radar for Rathbun, Appanoose County: every NWS radar combined, rain, snow and ice colors, flash-flood risk, storm tracks and official warnings.
What weather hits Rathbun?
Since 1996, the National Weather Service has logged damaging thunderstorm winds on 48 days in the Appanoose forecast zone and Appanoose County — the most common reported hazard around Rathbun, mostly in June and July. Next come heavy snow & winter storms (40 days) and flooding (31 days).
| Hazard | Days reported | Most recent | Worst on record |
|---|---|---|---|
| Damaging thunderstorm winds | 48 | Oct 2024 | Jul 28, 2015 · $600,000 damage |
| Heavy snow & winter storms | 40 | Jan 2024 | Feb 24, 2007 · $250,000 damage |
| Flooding | 31 | Sep 2019 | Jun 12, 2010 · $20 million damage |
| Flash flooding | 26 | Aug 2021 | Aug 24, 2007 · $600,000 damage |
| High winds | 17 | Mar 2025 | Nov 10, 1998 · $305,000 damage |
| Ice storms & sleet | 17 | Dec 2024 | Dec 11, 2007 · $150,000 damage |
| Extreme cold & wind chill | 13 | Jan 2024 | Sep 21, 1999 · $294,000 damage |
| Blizzards | 7 | Jan 2024 | Dec 9, 2009 · $50,000 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 Appanoose forecast zone and Appanoose County; damage is as reported, not adjusted for inflation.
How much snow does Rathbun get?
A normal year brings about 22 inches of snow to Rathbun, based on NOAA's 1991–2020 climate normals for the Centerville weather station 4.8 miles away. The snowiest month is usually January (7.1 in).
| Oct | Nov | Dec | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0.3 | 1.9 | 2.3 | 7.1 | 5.0 | 3.2 | 1.7 | 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 Rathbun?
The closest NEXRAD Doppler radar is KDMX (Des Moines, IA), about 77 miles 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 Rathbun | View |
|---|---|---|---|
| KDMX Des Moines, IA | 77 mi northwest | 6,600 ft | Fair — the beam can pass over shallow snow and low-level rotation |
| KDVN Quad Cities, IA | 132 mi east-northeast | 14,900 ft | Limited — the beam overshoots the lowest part of storms |
| KEAX Kansas City, MO | 156 mi south-southwest | 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 Rathbun
Since 1950, NOAA has recorded 74 tornadoes within 25 miles of Rathbun, 28 of them EF2/F2 or stronger. Most came in June and May. The strongest was an F4 on June 7, 1984, which passed about 13 miles northwest of town and caused 3 deaths. The most recent was an EF1 on April 30, 2024, which touched down about 20 miles west-northwest of town.
Hail: 238 reports of 1-inch or larger hail within 25 miles since 1955, 38 of them 2 inches or more; the largest was 3.25-inch hail on May 20, 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 Rathbun'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.
Rathbun radar FAQ
Where is the nearest weather radar to Rathbun, IA?
KDMX (Des Moines, IA), about 77 miles northwest. KDVN (Quad Cities, IA) is 132 miles away and also covers the area.
Does radar show snow in Rathbun?
Yes. TALON colors snow blue, a rain–snow mix pink and freezing rain purple using NOAA's precipitation-type analysis. Over Rathbun the lowest scan from KDMX is about 6,600 ft up, so light snow from shallow clouds can be under-shown — check NWS winter alerts too.
Is TALON's radar for Rathbun 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 Rathbun, follow it right away — see watch vs. warning.
Radar for nearby towns
- Centerville, IA radar 5 mi
- Albia, IA radar 16 mi
- Corydon, IA radar 23 mi
- Bloomfield, IA radar 25 mi
- Chariton, IA radar 27 mi
- Ottumwa, IA radar 29 mi
- Melcher-Dallas, IA radar 35 mi
- Oskaloosa, IA radar 36 mi
- Knoxville, IA radar 37 mi
- Pella, IA radar 42 mi