Marion, IL Live Doppler Radar
Live radar for Marion, Williamson County: every NWS radar combined, rain, snow and ice colors, flash-flood risk, storm tracks and official warnings.
What weather hits Marion?
Since 1996, the National Weather Service has logged damaging thunderstorm winds on 90 days in the Williamson forecast zone and Williamson County — the most common reported hazard around Marion, mostly in July and May. Next come excessive heat (89 days) and heavy snow & winter storms (44 days).
| Hazard | Days reported | Most recent | Worst on record |
|---|---|---|---|
| Damaging thunderstorm winds | 90 | Apr 2026 | May 8, 2009 · $175 million damage |
| Excessive heat | 89 | Aug 2025 | Jun 22, 1998 · 1 death |
| Heavy snow & winter storms | 44 | Jan 2026 | Jan 26, 2009 · $500,000 damage |
| Flash flooding | 38 | Jul 2025 | May 10, 1996 · $1.0 million damage |
| Flooding | 27 | May 2024 | Aug 3, 2000 · 1 death |
| Extreme cold & wind chill | 24 | Jan 2026 | Dec 23, 2004 · 1 death |
| High winds | 6 | Feb 2009 | Sep 14, 2008 · $500,000 damage |
| Ice storms & sleet | 6 | Jan 2025 | Jan 5, 2025 · $260,000 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 Williamson forecast zone and Williamson County; damage is as reported, not adjusted for inflation.
How much snow does Marion get?
A normal year brings about 9.8 inches of snow to Marion, based on NOAA's 1991–2020 climate normals for the Plumfield weather station 11.7 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 Marion?
The closest NEXRAD Doppler radar is KPAH (Paducah, KY), about 47 miles south-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 Marion | View |
|---|---|---|---|
| KPAH Paducah, KY | 47 mi south-southeast | 3,300 ft | Good — most storms and steady rain or snow show clearly |
| KVWX Evansville, IN | 76 mi east-northeast | 6,300 ft | Fair — the beam can pass over shallow snow and low-level rotation |
| KHPX Fort Campbell, KY | 114 mi southeast | 11,800 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 Marion
Since 1950, NOAA has recorded 97 tornadoes within 25 miles of Marion, 34 of them EF2/F2 or stronger. Most came in April and May. The strongest was an F4 on December 18, 1957, which passed about 11 miles north-northwest of town and caused 11 deaths. The most recent was an EF1 on May 20, 2025, which touched down about 21 miles south-southwest of town.
Hail: 291 reports of 1-inch or larger hail within 25 miles since 1955, 28 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 Marion'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.
Marion radar FAQ
Where is the nearest weather radar to Marion, IL?
KPAH (Paducah, KY), about 47 miles south-southeast. KVWX (Evansville, IN) is 76 miles away and also covers the area.
Does radar show snow in Marion?
Yes. TALON colors snow blue, a rain–snow mix pink and freezing rain purple using NOAA's precipitation-type analysis. Over Marion the lowest scan from KPAH is about 3,300 ft up.
Is TALON's radar for Marion 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 Marion, follow it right away — see watch vs. warning.
Radar for nearby towns
- Johnston City, IL radar 6 mi
- Crainville, IL radar 7 mi
- Herrin, IL radar 7 mi
- Carterville, IL radar 8 mi
- Cambria, IL radar 10 mi
- West Frankfort, IL radar 11 mi
- Goreville, IL radar 13 mi
- Zeigler, IL radar 13 mi
- Royalton, IL radar 14 mi
- Carbondale, IL radar 15 mi