Traer, IA Live Doppler Radar
Live radar for Traer, Tama County: every NWS radar combined, rain, snow and ice colors, flash-flood risk, storm tracks and official warnings.
What weather hits Traer?
Since 1996, the National Weather Service has logged damaging thunderstorm winds on 60 days in the Tama forecast zone and Tama County — the most common reported hazard around Traer, mostly in June and July. Next come heavy snow & winter storms (50 days) and flooding (35 days).
| Hazard | Days reported | Most recent | Worst on record |
|---|---|---|---|
| Damaging thunderstorm winds | 60 | Jul 2025 | Jun 29, 1998 · $1.1 million damage |
| Heavy snow & winter storms | 50 | Feb 2026 | Oct 26, 1997 · $3.2 million damage |
| Flooding | 35 | May 2024 | Jun 12, 2010 · $20 million damage |
| High winds | 34 | Mar 2025 | Nov 10, 1998 · $305,000 damage |
| Extreme cold & wind chill | 20 | Jan 2025 | Sep 21, 1999 · $294,000 damage |
| Ice storms & sleet | 14 | Feb 2023 | Jan 20, 2010 · $100,000 damage |
| Blizzards | 13 | Jan 2024 | Dec 20, 2012 · $100,000 damage |
| Flash flooding | 11 | May 2024 | May 29, 2013 · $450,000 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 Tama forecast zone and Tama County; damage is as reported, not adjusted for inflation.
How much snow does Traer get?
A normal year brings about 34 inches of snow to Traer, based on NOAA's 1991–2020 climate normals for the Clutier weather station 8.2 miles away. The snowiest month is usually January (9.2 in).
| Oct | Nov | Dec | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0.3 | 1.9 | 8.0 | 9.2 | 8.4 | 4.6 | 1.3 | 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 Traer?
The closest NEXRAD Doppler radar is KDMX (Des Moines, IA), about 72 miles west-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 Traer | View |
|---|---|---|---|
| KDMX Des Moines, IA | 72 mi west-southwest | 5,900 ft | Good — most storms and steady rain or snow show clearly |
| KDVN Quad Cities, IA | 105 mi east-southeast | 10,300 ft | Limited — the beam overshoots the lowest part of storms |
| KARX La Crosse, WI | 130 mi north-northeast | 14,400 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 Traer
Since 1950, NOAA has recorded 128 tornadoes within 25 miles of Traer, 29 of them EF2/F2 or stronger. Most came in June and May. The strongest was an F4 on August 26, 1965, which passed about 16 miles east-northeast of town and caused 1 death. The most recent was a tornado of unknown strength on August 18, 2025, which passed about 22 miles northwest of town.
Hail: 362 reports of 1-inch or larger hail within 25 miles since 1955, 45 of them 2 inches or more; the largest was 4.25-inch hail on July 16, 2007.
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 Traer'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.
Traer radar FAQ
Where is the nearest weather radar to Traer, IA?
KDMX (Des Moines, IA), about 72 miles west-southwest. KDVN (Quad Cities, IA) is 105 miles away and also covers the area.
Does radar show snow in Traer?
Yes. TALON colors snow blue, a rain–snow mix pink and freezing rain purple using NOAA's precipitation-type analysis. Over Traer the lowest scan from KDMX is about 5,900 ft up.
Is TALON's radar for Traer 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 Traer, follow it right away — see watch vs. warning.
Radar for nearby towns
- Dysart, IA radar 8 mi
- Reinbeck, IA radar 11 mi
- Toledo, IA radar 15 mi
- La Porte City, IA radar 16 mi
- Tama, IA radar 17 mi
- Hudson, IA radar 17 mi
- Grundy Center, IA radar 20 mi
- Dike, IA radar 21 mi
- Conrad, IA radar 21 mi
- Evansdale, IA radar 22 mi