Metcalf, IL Live Doppler Radar
Live radar for Metcalf, Edgar County: every NWS radar combined, rain, snow and ice colors, flash-flood risk, storm tracks and official warnings.
What weather hits Metcalf?
Since 1996, the National Weather Service has logged damaging thunderstorm winds on 89 days in the Edgar forecast zone and Edgar County — the most common reported hazard around Metcalf, mostly in June and May. Next come flash flooding (36 days) and heavy snow & winter storms (30 days).
| Hazard | Days reported | Most recent | Worst on record |
|---|---|---|---|
| Damaging thunderstorm winds | 89 | Jun 2026 | Apr 14, 2006 · $300,000 damage |
| Flash flooding | 36 | Jun 2026 | May 7, 2002 · $485,000 damage |
| Heavy snow & winter storms | 30 | Jan 2026 | Feb 1, 2011 · $850,000 damage |
| Excessive heat | 14 | Aug 2023 | Jul 3, 2019 · 1 death |
| High winds | 11 | Nov 2022 | Mar 5, 2004 · 1 death |
| Extreme cold & wind chill | 9 | Jan 2026 | — |
| Flooding | 5 | May 2017 | Jun 4, 2008 · $700,000 damage |
| Ice storms & sleet | 1 | Jan 1999 | — |
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 Edgar forecast zone and Edgar County; damage is as reported, not adjusted for inflation.
How much snow does Metcalf get?
A normal year brings about 24 inches of snow to Metcalf, based on NOAA's 1991–2020 climate normals for the Sidell 4N weather station 11.6 miles away. The snowiest month is usually January (7.1 in).
| Oct | Nov | Dec | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0.0 | 1.1 | 6.0 | 7.1 | 6.7 | 2.4 | 0.4 | 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 Metcalf?
The closest NEXRAD Doppler radar is KIND (Indianapolis, IN), about 81 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 Metcalf | View |
|---|---|---|---|
| KIND Indianapolis, IN | 81 mi east | 7,100 ft | Fair — the beam can pass over shallow snow and low-level rotation |
| KILX Lincoln, IL | 85 mi west-northwest | 7,500 ft | Fair — the beam can pass over shallow snow and low-level rotation |
| KVWX Evansville, IN | 107 mi south | 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 Metcalf
Since 1950, NOAA has recorded 127 tornadoes within 25 miles of Metcalf, 25 of them EF2/F2 or stronger. Most came in May and April. The strongest was an F4 on March 20, 1976, which passed about 22 miles north-northwest of town. The most recent was an EF0 on December 28, 2025, which touched down about 12 miles south of town.
Hail: 188 reports of 1-inch or larger hail within 25 miles since 1955, 31 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 Metcalf'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.
Metcalf radar FAQ
Where is the nearest weather radar to Metcalf, IL?
KIND (Indianapolis, IN), about 81 miles east. KILX (Lincoln, IL) is 85 miles away and also covers the area.
Does radar show snow in Metcalf?
Yes. TALON colors snow blue, a rain–snow mix pink and freezing rain purple using NOAA's precipitation-type analysis. Over Metcalf the lowest scan from KIND is about 7,100 ft up, so light snow from shallow clouds can be under-shown — check NWS winter alerts too.
Is TALON's radar for Metcalf 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 Metcalf, follow it right away — see watch vs. warning.
Radar for nearby towns
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