Bismarck, IL Live Doppler Radar
Live radar for Bismarck, Vermilion County: every NWS radar combined, rain, snow and ice colors, flash-flood risk, storm tracks and official warnings.
What weather hits Bismarck?
Since 1996, the National Weather Service has logged damaging thunderstorm winds on 166 days in the Vermilion forecast zone and Vermilion County — the most common reported hazard around Bismarck, mostly in June and July. Next come flash flooding (51 days) and heavy snow & winter storms (36 days).
| Hazard | Days reported | Most recent | Worst on record |
|---|---|---|---|
| Damaging thunderstorm winds | 166 | Jun 2026 | Jul 8, 2001 · $8.5 million damage |
| Flash flooding | 51 | Jun 2026 | — |
| Heavy snow & winter storms | 36 | Jan 2026 | Feb 1, 2011 · $10,000 damage |
| High winds | 16 | May 2025 | Apr 2, 2016 · $50,000 damage |
| Excessive heat | 14 | Aug 2024 | Jul 28, 1999 · 1 death |
| Extreme cold & wind chill | 9 | Jan 2026 | — |
| Flooding | 7 | Jun 2026 | Feb 21, 2018 · $3.0 million damage |
| Ice storms & sleet | 3 | Feb 2007 | — |
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 Vermilion forecast zone and Vermilion County; damage is as reported, not adjusted for inflation.
How much snow does Bismarck get?
A normal year brings about 13 inches of snow to Bismarck, based on NOAA's 1991–2020 climate normals for the Pence 1 Sw weather station 7.9 miles away. The snowiest month is usually January (3.5 in).
| Oct | Nov | Dec | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0.0 | 0.6 | 2.5 | 3.5 | 3.5 | 2.2 | 0.3 | 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 Bismarck?
The closest NEXRAD Doppler radar is KIND (Indianapolis, IN), about 80 miles east-southeast. 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 Bismarck | View |
|---|---|---|---|
| KIND Indianapolis, IN | 80 mi east-southeast | 6,900 ft | Fair — the beam can pass over shallow snow and low-level rotation |
| KILX Lincoln, IL | 91 mi west | 8,400 ft | Fair — the beam can pass over shallow snow and low-level rotation |
| KLOT Chicago, IL | 96 mi north-northwest | 9,100 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 Bismarck
Since 1950, NOAA has recorded 108 tornadoes within 25 miles of Bismarck, 22 of them EF2/F2 or stronger. Most came in June and May. The strongest was an F4 on March 20, 1976, which passed about 5 miles southwest of town. The most recent was a tornado of unknown strength on October 3, 2025, which touched down about 20 miles south-southwest of town.
Hail: 203 reports of 1-inch or larger hail within 25 miles since 1955, 36 of them 2 inches or more; the largest was 4.50-inch hail on May 18, 2000.
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 Bismarck'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.
Bismarck radar FAQ
Where is the nearest weather radar to Bismarck, IL?
KIND (Indianapolis, IN), about 80 miles east-southeast. KILX (Lincoln, IL) is 91 miles away and also covers the area.
Does radar show snow in Bismarck?
Yes. TALON colors snow blue, a rain–snow mix pink and freezing rain purple using NOAA's precipitation-type analysis. Over Bismarck the lowest scan from KIND is about 6,900 ft up, so light snow from shallow clouds can be under-shown — check NWS winter alerts too.
Is TALON's radar for Bismarck 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 Bismarck, follow it right away — see watch vs. warning.
Radar for nearby towns
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- Tilton, IL radar 11 mi
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- Catlin, IL radar 14 mi
- Hoopeston, IL radar 14 mi
- Westville, IL radar 15 mi
- Georgetown, IL radar 20 mi
- Homer, IL radar 24 mi
- St. Joseph, IL radar 25 mi