Benson, IL Live Doppler Radar
Live radar for Benson, Woodford County: every NWS radar combined, rain, snow and ice colors, flash-flood risk, storm tracks and official warnings.
What weather hits Benson?
Since 1996, the National Weather Service has logged damaging thunderstorm winds on 107 days in the Woodford forecast zone and Woodford County — the most common reported hazard around Benson, mostly in June and May. Next come heavy snow & winter storms (39 days) and flash flooding (27 days).
| Hazard | Days reported | Most recent | Worst on record |
|---|---|---|---|
| Damaging thunderstorm winds | 107 | Jun 2026 | Apr 20, 2000 · $300,000 damage |
| Heavy snow & winter storms | 39 | Dec 2025 | Dec 1, 2006 · $500,000 damage |
| Flash flooding | 27 | Aug 2022 | Apr 17, 2013 · $13 million damage |
| Excessive heat | 14 | Aug 2024 | — |
| Flooding | 14 | Jun 2026 | Apr 19, 2013 · $14 million damage |
| Extreme cold & wind chill | 11 | Jan 2026 | — |
| High winds | 10 | Nov 2019 | Mar 24, 2009 · $6,000 damage |
| Ice storms & sleet | 9 | Jan 2021 | Dec 28, 2015 · $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 Woodford forecast zone and Woodford County; damage is as reported, not adjusted for inflation.
How much snow does Benson get?
A normal year brings about 28 inches of snow to Benson, based on NOAA's 1991–2020 climate normals for the Roanoke weather station 5.3 miles away. The snowiest month is usually February (9.1 in).
| Oct | Nov | Dec | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0.0 | 1.2 | 7.0 | 6.4 | 9.1 | 3.6 | 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 Benson?
The closest NEXRAD Doppler radar is KILX (Lincoln, IL), about 50 miles south-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 Benson | View |
|---|---|---|---|
| KILX Lincoln, IL | 50 mi south-southwest | 3,500 ft | Good — most storms and steady rain or snow show clearly |
| KLOT Chicago, IL | 75 mi northeast | 6,300 ft | Fair — the beam can pass over shallow snow and low-level rotation |
| KDVN Quad Cities, IA | 92 mi northwest | 8,500 ft | Fair — the beam can pass over shallow snow and low-level rotation |
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 Benson
Since 1950, NOAA has recorded 150 tornadoes within 25 miles of Benson, 34 of them EF2/F2 or stronger. Most came in June and May. The strongest was an EF4 on November 17, 2013, which crossed near town and caused 3 deaths. The most recent was an EF1 on December 28, 2025, which touched down about 24 miles east of town.
Hail: 274 reports of 1-inch or larger hail within 25 miles since 1955, 28 of them 2 inches or more; the largest was 4.25-inch hail on July 13, 2004.
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 Benson'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.
Benson radar FAQ
Where is the nearest weather radar to Benson, IL?
KILX (Lincoln, IL), about 50 miles south-southwest. KLOT (Chicago, IL) is 75 miles away and also covers the area.
Does radar show snow in Benson?
Yes. TALON colors snow blue, a rain–snow mix pink and freezing rain purple using NOAA's precipitation-type analysis. Over Benson the lowest scan from KILX is about 3,500 ft up.
Is TALON's radar for Benson 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 Benson, follow it right away — see watch vs. warning.
Radar for nearby towns
- Roanoke, IL radar 6 mi
- Minonk, IL radar 6 mi
- El Paso, IL radar 9 mi
- Washburn, IL radar 10 mi
- Toluca, IL radar 11 mi
- Eureka, IL radar 12 mi
- Metamora, IL radar 13 mi
- Flanagan, IL radar 14 mi
- Gridley, IL radar 15 mi
- Hudson, IL radar 18 mi