Solon, IA Live Doppler Radar
Live radar for Solon, Johnson County: every NWS radar combined, rain, snow and ice colors, flash-flood risk, storm tracks and official warnings.
What weather hits Solon?
Since 1996, the National Weather Service has logged damaging thunderstorm winds on 91 days in the Johnson forecast zone and Johnson County — the most common reported hazard around Solon, mostly in July and May. Next come heavy snow & winter storms (87 days) and flash flooding (36 days).
| Hazard | Days reported | Most recent | Worst on record |
|---|---|---|---|
| Damaging thunderstorm winds | 91 | Jun 2026 | May 29, 2011 · 1 death · $10,000 damage |
| Heavy snow & winter storms | 87 | Nov 2025 | Jan 5, 2005 · $10,000 damage |
| Flash flooding | 36 | Jun 2026 | Aug 11, 2016 · $1.5 million damage |
| Flooding | 24 | Oct 2018 | Jun 1, 2008 · $230 million damage |
| Extreme cold & wind chill | 15 | Jan 2019 | Jan 29, 2019 · 1 death |
| High winds | 14 | Feb 2026 | May 24, 1996 · $500,000 damage |
| Ice storms & sleet | 10 | Dec 2024 | Jan 10, 2023 · 2 deaths |
| Lightning casualties & damage | 10 | Oct 2015 | Apr 13, 2006 · $515,000 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 Johnson forecast zone and Johnson County; damage is as reported, not adjusted for inflation.
How much snow does Solon get?
A normal year brings about 29 inches of snow to Solon, based on NOAA's 1991–2020 climate normals for the Swisher #2 weather station 10.4 miles away. The snowiest month is usually February (7.8 in).
| Oct | Nov | Dec | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0.1 | 0.8 | 7.7 | 7.7 | 7.8 | 4.5 | 0.6 | 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 Solon?
The closest NEXRAD Doppler radar is KDVN (Quad Cities, IA), about 49 miles east-southeast. 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 Solon | View |
|---|---|---|---|
| KDVN Quad Cities, IA | 49 mi east-southeast | 3,500 ft | Good — most storms and steady rain or snow show clearly |
| KDMX Des Moines, IA | 115 mi west | 11,900 ft | Limited — the beam overshoots the lowest part of storms |
| KARX La Crosse, WI | 140 mi north | 16,300 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 Solon
Since 1950, NOAA has recorded 148 tornadoes within 25 miles of Solon, 37 of them EF2/F2 or stronger. Most came in May and April. The strongest was an F4 on June 7, 1984, which passed about 24 miles southwest of town and caused 3 deaths. The most recent was an EF0 on June 25, 2024, which touched down about 8 miles north-northwest of town.
Hail: 474 reports of 1-inch or larger hail within 25 miles since 1955, 44 of them 2 inches or more; the largest was 3.00-inch hail on May 31, 1971.
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 Solon'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.
Solon radar FAQ
Where is the nearest weather radar to Solon, IA?
KDVN (Quad Cities, IA), about 49 miles east-southeast. KDMX (Des Moines, IA) is 115 miles away and also covers the area.
Does radar show snow in Solon?
Yes. TALON colors snow blue, a rain–snow mix pink and freezing rain purple using NOAA's precipitation-type analysis. Over Solon the lowest scan from KDVN is about 3,500 ft up.
Is TALON's radar for Solon 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 Solon, follow it right away — see watch vs. warning.
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