Benton, IL Live Doppler Radar
Live radar for Benton, Franklin County: every NWS radar combined, rain, snow and ice colors, flash-flood risk, storm tracks and official warnings.
What weather hits Benton?
Since 1996, the National Weather Service has logged damaging thunderstorm winds on 104 days in the Franklin forecast zone and Franklin County — the most common reported hazard around Benton, mostly in June and July. Next come flooding (83 days) and excessive heat (83 days).
| Hazard | Days reported | Most recent | Worst on record |
|---|---|---|---|
| Damaging thunderstorm winds | 104 | Oct 2025 | May 8, 2009 · $6.0 million damage |
| Flooding | 83 | Jul 2025 | Mar 18, 2008 · $1.5 million damage |
| Excessive heat | 83 | Aug 2025 | Aug 5, 2016 · 1 death |
| Heavy snow & winter storms | 44 | Jan 2026 | Jan 26, 2009 · $250,000 damage |
| Flash flooding | 38 | Jul 2025 | May 10, 1996 · $8.0 million damage |
| Extreme cold & wind chill | 27 | Jan 2026 | Feb 20, 2025 · 1 death |
| High winds | 8 | Feb 2009 | Sep 14, 2008 · $200,000 damage |
| Ice storms & sleet | 5 | Jan 2010 | Jan 1, 1999 · $50,000 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 Franklin forecast zone and Franklin County; damage is as reported, not adjusted for inflation.
How much snow does Benton get?
A normal year brings about 9.8 inches of snow to Benton, based on NOAA's 1991–2020 climate normals for the Plumfield weather station 9.6 miles away. The snowiest month is usually February (2.9 in).
| Oct | Nov | Dec | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0.3 | 0.1 | 2.7 | 2.3 | 2.9 | 1.4 | 0.1 | 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 Benton?
The closest NEXRAD Doppler radar is KPAH (Paducah, KY), about 66 miles south. 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 Benton | View |
|---|---|---|---|
| KPAH Paducah, KY | 66 mi south | 5,200 ft | Good — most storms and steady rain or snow show clearly |
| KVWX Evansville, IN | 67 mi east-northeast | 5,300 ft | Good — most storms and steady rain or snow show clearly |
| KLSX St. Louis, MO | 107 mi west-northwest | 10,600 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 Benton
Since 1950, NOAA has recorded 93 tornadoes within 25 miles of Benton, 28 of them EF2/F2 or stronger. Most came in May and April. The strongest was an F5 on December 18, 1957, which passed about 14 miles west-northwest of town and caused 1 death. The most recent was an EF4 on May 16, 2025, which passed about 25 miles south of town.
Hail: 236 reports of 1-inch or larger hail within 25 miles since 1955, 24 of them 2 inches or more; the largest was 3.50-inch hail on August 6, 2019.
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 Benton'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.
Benton radar FAQ
Where is the nearest weather radar to Benton, IL?
KPAH (Paducah, KY), about 66 miles south. KVWX (Evansville, IN) is 67 miles away and also covers the area.
Does radar show snow in Benton?
Yes. TALON colors snow blue, a rain–snow mix pink and freezing rain purple using NOAA's precipitation-type analysis. Over Benton the lowest scan from KPAH is about 5,200 ft up.
Is TALON's radar for Benton 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 Benton, follow it right away — see watch vs. warning.
Radar for nearby towns
- West Frankfort, IL radar 8 mi
- Christopher, IL radar 8 mi
- Sesser, IL radar 9 mi
- Ina, IL radar 9 mi
- Zeigler, IL radar 10 mi
- Johnston City, IL radar 13 mi
- Royalton, IL radar 14 mi
- Herrin, IL radar 16 mi
- Du Quoin, IL radar 17 mi
- Marion, IL radar 19 mi