Washington, IA Live Doppler Radar
Live radar for Washington, Washington County: every NWS radar combined, rain, snow and ice colors, flash-flood risk, storm tracks and official warnings.
What weather hits Washington?
Since 1996, the National Weather Service has logged damaging thunderstorm winds on 82 days in the Washington forecast zone and Washington County — the most common reported hazard around Washington, mostly in June and July. Next come heavy snow & winter storms (74 days) and flooding (32 days).
| Hazard | Days reported | Most recent | Worst on record |
|---|---|---|---|
| Damaging thunderstorm winds | 82 | Jun 2026 | Jun 29, 1998 · $21 million damage |
| Heavy snow & winter storms | 74 | Nov 2025 | Mar 15, 2004 · $5,000 damage |
| Flooding | 32 | May 2019 | Jun 13, 2010 · $500,000 damage |
| Flash flooding | 24 | Jun 2026 | Aug 3, 2010 · $1.0 million damage |
| Extreme cold & wind chill | 11 | Jan 2019 | — |
| High winds | 10 | Jun 2011 | Apr 6, 1997 · $100,000 damage |
| Ice storms & sleet | 9 | Dec 2024 | Feb 24, 2007 · $377,000 damage |
| Blizzards | 7 | 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 Washington forecast zone and Washington County; damage is as reported, not adjusted for inflation.
How much snow does Washington get?
A normal year brings about 25 inches of snow to Washington, based on NOAA's 1991–2020 climate normals for the Washington weather station 1.3 miles away. The snowiest month is usually February (8.1 in).
| Oct | Nov | Dec | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0.4 | 1.4 | 4.7 | 7.5 | 8.1 | 2.3 | 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 Washington?
The closest NEXRAD Doppler radar is KDVN (Quad Cities, IA), about 62 miles east-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 Washington | View |
|---|---|---|---|
| KDVN Quad Cities, IA | 62 mi east-northeast | 4,700 ft | Good — most storms and steady rain or snow show clearly |
| KDMX Des Moines, IA | 109 mi west-northwest | 11,000 ft | Limited — the beam overshoots the lowest part of storms |
| KILX Lincoln, IL | 147 mi east-southeast | 17,500 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 Washington
Since 1950, NOAA has recorded 98 tornadoes within 25 miles of Washington, 28 of them EF2/F2 or stronger. Most came in April and May. The strongest was an F4 on June 7, 1984, which passed about 21 miles northwest of town and caused 3 deaths. The most recent was an EF1 on May 24, 2024, which passed about 15 miles northwest of town.
Hail: 186 reports of 1-inch or larger hail within 25 miles since 1955, 13 of them 2 inches or more; the largest was 3.00-inch hail on June 19, 1964.
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 Washington'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.
Washington radar FAQ
Where is the nearest weather radar to Washington, IA?
KDVN (Quad Cities, IA), about 62 miles east-northeast. KDMX (Des Moines, IA) is 109 miles away and also covers the area.
Does radar show snow in Washington?
Yes. TALON colors snow blue, a rain–snow mix pink and freezing rain purple using NOAA's precipitation-type analysis. Over Washington the lowest scan from KDVN is about 4,700 ft up.
Is TALON's radar for Washington 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 Washington, follow it right away — see watch vs. warning.
Radar for nearby towns
- Kalona, IA radar 13 mi
- Wellman, IA radar 14 mi
- Riverside, IA radar 14 mi
- Columbus Junction, IA radar 17 mi
- Winfield, IA radar 18 mi
- Lone Tree, IA radar 19 mi
- Mount Pleasant, IA radar 24 mi
- Fairfield, IA radar 25 mi
- North English, IA radar 25 mi
- University Heights, IA radar 26 mi