Waukon, IA Live Doppler Radar
Live radar for Waukon, Allamakee County: every NWS radar combined, rain, snow and ice colors, flash-flood risk, storm tracks and official warnings.
What weather hits Waukon?
Since 1996, the National Weather Service has logged heavy snow or a winter storm on 68 days in the Allamakee forecast zone and Allamakee County — the most common reported hazard around Waukon, mostly in January and March. Next come damaging thunderstorm winds (60 days) and flooding (34 days).
| Hazard | Days reported | Most recent | Worst on record |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heavy snow & winter storms | 68 | Feb 2026 | Mar 23, 2016 · $15,000 damage |
| Damaging thunderstorm winds | 60 | Sep 2024 | Jul 23, 2022 · $200,000 damage |
| Flooding | 34 | Aug 2025 | Aug 19, 2007 · 1 death · $45,000 damage |
| Flash flooding | 26 | Jun 2024 | Jun 22, 2013 · $6.4 million damage |
| Extreme cold & wind chill | 17 | Jan 2026 | — |
| Excessive heat | 13 | Jun 2026 | Jul 17, 2011 · $22,000 damage |
| High winds | 11 | Dec 2021 | Nov 10, 1998 · $175,000 damage |
| Blizzards | 8 | Jan 2014 | — |
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 Allamakee forecast zone and Allamakee County; damage is as reported, not adjusted for inflation.
How much snow does Waukon get?
A normal year brings about 40 inches of snow to Waukon, based on NOAA's 1991–2020 climate normals for the Postville weather station 13 miles away. The snowiest month is usually January (12.0 in).
| Oct | Nov | Dec | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0.1 | 2.7 | 8.0 | 12.0 | 10.4 | 5.0 | 1.6 | 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 Waukon?
The closest NEXRAD Doppler radar is KARX (La Crosse, WI), about 41 miles north-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 Waukon | View |
|---|---|---|---|
| KARX La Crosse, WI | 41 mi north-northeast | 2,700 ft | Excellent — the lowest scan sees close to the ground |
| KDVN Quad Cities, IA | 123 mi south-southeast | 13,300 ft | Limited — the beam overshoots the lowest part of storms |
| KMKX Milwaukee/Sullivan, WI | 149 mi east | 18,000 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 Waukon
Since 1950, NOAA has recorded 49 tornadoes within 25 miles of Waukon, 12 of them EF2/F2 or stronger. Most came in July and August. The strongest was an F4 on April 30, 1954, which passed about 17 miles east-southeast of town. The most recent was an EF0 on June 25, 2025, which passed about 16 miles north-northeast of town.
Hail: 188 reports of 1-inch or larger hail within 25 miles since 1955, 23 of them 2 inches or more; the largest was 4.25-inch hail on July 24, 2009.
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 Waukon'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.
Waukon radar FAQ
Where is the nearest weather radar to Waukon, IA?
KARX (La Crosse, WI), about 41 miles north-northeast. KDVN (Quad Cities, IA) is 123 miles away and also covers the area.
Does radar show snow in Waukon?
Yes. TALON colors snow blue, a rain–snow mix pink and freezing rain purple using NOAA's precipitation-type analysis. Over Waukon the lowest scan from KARX is about 2,700 ft up.
Is TALON's radar for Waukon 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 Waukon, follow it right away — see watch vs. warning.
Radar for nearby towns
- Postville, IA radar 13 mi
- Decorah, IA radar 16 mi
- Monona, IA radar 16 mi
- Calmar, IA radar 21 mi
- West Union, IA radar 27 mi
- Elkader, IA radar 29 mi
- Cresco, IA radar 33 mi
- Fayette, IA radar 34 mi
- Guttenberg, IA radar 38 mi
- Strawberry Point, IA radar 41 mi