Lincoln, IL Live Doppler Radar
Live radar for Lincoln, Logan County: every NWS radar combined, rain, snow and ice colors, flash-flood risk, storm tracks and official warnings.
What weather hits Lincoln?
Since 1996, the National Weather Service has logged damaging thunderstorm winds on 153 days in the Logan forecast zone and Logan County — the most common reported hazard around Lincoln, mostly in June and July. Next come flash flooding (41 days) and heavy snow & winter storms (34 days).
| Hazard | Days reported | Most recent | Worst on record |
|---|---|---|---|
| Damaging thunderstorm winds | 153 | Jun 2026 | Aug 12, 1999 · $8.3 million damage |
| Flash flooding | 41 | Jun 2026 | Apr 29, 1998 · $1.5 million damage |
| Heavy snow & winter storms | 34 | Jan 2026 | Dec 1, 2006 · $550,000 damage |
| Excessive heat | 14 | Aug 2024 | Jul 20, 1999 · 2 deaths |
| High winds | 12 | May 2023 | Apr 2, 2016 · $70,000 damage |
| Extreme cold & wind chill | 8 | Jan 2026 | — |
| Lightning casualties & damage | 6 | Aug 2022 | Jun 21, 2013 · $250,000 damage |
| Ice storms & sleet | 5 | Jan 2021 | Dec 8, 2007 · 1 death |
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 Logan forecast zone and Logan County; damage is as reported, not adjusted for inflation.
How much snow does Lincoln get?
A normal year brings about 19 inches of snow to Lincoln, based on NOAA's 1991–2020 climate normals for the Lincoln weather station 1.7 miles away. The snowiest month is usually February (6.2 in).
| Oct | Nov | Dec | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0.1 | 0.6 | 4.9 | 5.7 | 6.2 | 1.8 | 0.0 | 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 Lincoln?
The closest NEXRAD Doppler radar is KILX (Lincoln, IL), about 2 miles east. 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 Lincoln | View |
|---|---|---|---|
| KILX Lincoln, IL | 2 mi east | 100 ft | Excellent — the lowest scan sees close to the ground |
| KDVN Quad Cities, IA | 119 mi north-northwest | 12,600 ft | Limited — the beam overshoots the lowest part of storms |
| KLOT Chicago, IL | 121 mi north-northeast | 12,900 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 Lincoln
Since 1950, NOAA has recorded 174 tornadoes within 25 miles of Lincoln, 26 of them EF2/F2 or stronger. Most came in June and April. The strongest was an F4 on May 5, 1977, which passed about 9 miles northeast of town. The most recent was an EF0 on September 20, 2025, which touched down about 14 miles west of town.
Hail: 232 reports of 1-inch or larger hail within 25 miles since 1955, 18 of them 2 inches or more; the largest was 4.50-inch hail on May 9, 2003.
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 Lincoln'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.
Lincoln radar FAQ
Where is the nearest weather radar to Lincoln, IL?
KILX (Lincoln, IL), about 2 miles east. KDVN (Quad Cities, IA) is 119 miles away and also covers the area.
Does radar show snow in Lincoln?
Yes. TALON colors snow blue, a rain–snow mix pink and freezing rain purple using NOAA's precipitation-type analysis. Over Lincoln the lowest scan from KILX is about 100 ft up.
Is TALON's radar for Lincoln 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 Lincoln, follow it right away — see watch vs. warning.
Radar for nearby towns
- Atlanta, IL radar 11 mi
- Mount Pulaski, IL radar 11 mi
- Williamsville, IL radar 16 mi
- Mason City, IL radar 18 mi
- Delavan, IL radar 18 mi
- Minier, IL radar 20 mi
- Clinton, IL radar 22 mi
- Sherman, IL radar 22 mi
- Warrensburg, IL radar 22 mi
- Athens, IL radar 23 mi