Salem, IA Live Doppler Radar
Live radar for Salem, Henry County: every NWS radar combined, rain, snow and ice colors, flash-flood risk, storm tracks and official warnings.
What weather hits Salem?
Since 1996, the National Weather Service has logged damaging thunderstorm winds on 70 days in the Henry forecast zone and Henry County — the most common reported hazard around Salem, mostly in June and May. Next come heavy snow & winter storms (66 days) and flash flooding (14 days).
| Hazard | Days reported | Most recent | Worst on record |
|---|---|---|---|
| Damaging thunderstorm winds | 70 | Apr 2026 | May 10, 2003 · $500,000 damage |
| Heavy snow & winter storms | 66 | Nov 2025 | — |
| Flash flooding | 14 | Jul 2017 | Sep 13, 2008 · $250,000 damage |
| Extreme cold & wind chill | 12 | Jan 2019 | — |
| Flooding | 10 | Jun 2019 | Jun 23, 2000 · 1 death |
| High winds | 9 | Dec 2021 | Apr 6, 1997 · $100,000 damage |
| Ice storms & sleet | 9 | Dec 2024 | Feb 24, 2007 · $129,000 damage |
| Excessive heat | 5 | Aug 2013 | — |
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 Henry forecast zone and Henry County; damage is as reported, not adjusted for inflation.
How much snow does Salem get?
A normal year brings about 26 inches of snow to Salem, based on NOAA's 1991–2020 climate normals for the Oakland Mills 3 W weather station 6 miles away. The snowiest month is usually January (9.3 in).
| Oct | Nov | Dec | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0.0 | 0.7 | 6.8 | 9.3 | 5.5 | 2.3 | 1.1 | 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 Salem?
The closest NEXRAD Doppler radar is KDVN (Quad Cities, IA), about 75 miles northeast. 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 Salem | View |
|---|---|---|---|
| KDVN Quad Cities, IA | 75 mi northeast | 6,300 ft | Fair — the beam can pass over shallow snow and low-level rotation |
| KDMX Des Moines, IA | 125 mi west-northwest | 13,600 ft | Limited — the beam overshoots the lowest part of storms |
| KILX Lincoln, IL | 129 mi east-southeast | 14,300 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 Salem
Since 1950, NOAA has recorded 104 tornadoes within 25 miles of Salem, 27 of them EF2/F2 or stronger. Most came in May and April. The strongest was an F4 on May 13, 1995, which passed about 25 miles southeast of town. The most recent was a tornado of unknown strength on August 11, 2025, which touched down about 8 miles west of town.
Hail: 287 reports of 1-inch or larger hail within 25 miles since 1955, 26 of them 2 inches or more; the largest was 4.50-inch hail on June 17, 1992.
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 Salem'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.
Salem radar FAQ
Where is the nearest weather radar to Salem, IA?
KDVN (Quad Cities, IA), about 75 miles northeast. KDMX (Des Moines, IA) is 125 miles away and also covers the area.
Does radar show snow in Salem?
Yes. TALON colors snow blue, a rain–snow mix pink and freezing rain purple using NOAA's precipitation-type analysis. Over Salem the lowest scan from KDVN is about 6,300 ft up, so light snow from shallow clouds can be under-shown — check NWS winter alerts too.
Is TALON's radar for Salem 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 Salem, follow it right away — see watch vs. warning.
Radar for nearby towns
- Mount Pleasant, IA radar 9 mi
- New London, IA radar 12 mi
- Fairfield, IA radar 21 mi
- Winfield, IA radar 21 mi
- Fort Madison, IA radar 21 mi
- West Burlington, IA radar 23 mi
- Mediapolis, IA radar 26 mi
- Burlington, IA radar 26 mi
- Washington, IA radar 31 mi
- Wapello, IA radar 32 mi