Sabula, IA Live Doppler Radar
Live radar for Sabula, Jackson County: every NWS radar combined, rain, snow and ice colors, flash-flood risk, storm tracks and official warnings.
What weather hits Sabula?
Since 1996, the National Weather Service has logged heavy snow or a winter storm on 84 days in the Jackson forecast zone and Jackson County — the most common reported hazard around Sabula, mostly in January and December. Next come damaging thunderstorm winds (79 days) and flooding (26 days).
| Hazard | Days reported | Most recent | Worst on record |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heavy snow & winter storms | 84 | Nov 2025 | Nov 14, 1996 · 1 death · $80,000 damage |
| Damaging thunderstorm winds | 79 | Jun 2026 | Jul 17, 2016 · $5.0 million damage |
| Flooding | 26 | Jul 2024 | Jul 24, 2010 · $1.0 million damage |
| Extreme cold & wind chill | 17 | Jan 2019 | — |
| Flash flooding | 16 | Apr 2026 | Jul 27, 2011 · $1.5 million damage |
| High winds | 15 | Dec 2021 | Jun 10, 2003 · $150,000 damage |
| Ice storms & sleet | 10 | Dec 2024 | Feb 24, 2007 · $66,000 damage |
| Blizzards | 8 | Mar 2026 | — |
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 Jackson forecast zone and Jackson County; damage is as reported, not adjusted for inflation.
How much snow does Sabula get?
A normal year brings about 33 inches of snow to Sabula, based on NOAA's 1991–2020 climate normals for the Mt Carroll weather station 10.4 miles away. The snowiest month is usually January (10.2 in).
| Oct | Nov | Dec | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0.4 | 1.7 | 8.8 | 10.2 | 7.9 | 3.6 | 0.8 | 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 Sabula?
The closest NEXRAD Doppler radar is KDVN (Quad Cities, IA), about 38 miles south-southwest. 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 Sabula | View |
|---|---|---|---|
| KDVN Quad Cities, IA | 38 mi south-southwest | 2,400 ft | Excellent — the lowest scan sees close to the ground |
| KMKX Milwaukee/Sullivan, WI | 104 mi northeast | 10,200 ft | Limited — the beam overshoots the lowest part of storms |
| KLOT Chicago, IL | 113 mi east-southeast | 11,500 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 Sabula
Since 1950, NOAA has recorded 97 tornadoes within 25 miles of Sabula, 19 of them EF2/F2 or stronger. Most came in June and May. The strongest was an F4 on April 11, 1965, which passed about 16 miles west-northwest of town and caused 1 death. The most recent was an EF1 on July 15, 2024, which passed about 13 miles north-northeast of town.
Hail: 174 reports of 1-inch or larger hail within 25 miles since 1955, 18 of them 2 inches or more; the largest was 3.00-inch hail on June 25, 2024.
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 Sabula'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.
Sabula radar FAQ
Where is the nearest weather radar to Sabula, IA?
KDVN (Quad Cities, IA), about 38 miles south-southwest. KMKX (Milwaukee/Sullivan, WI) is 104 miles away and also covers the area.
Does radar show snow in Sabula?
Yes. TALON colors snow blue, a rain–snow mix pink and freezing rain purple using NOAA's precipitation-type analysis. Over Sabula the lowest scan from KDVN is about 2,400 ft up.
Is TALON's radar for Sabula 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 Sabula, follow it right away — see watch vs. warning.
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