Olney, IL Live Doppler Radar
Live radar for Olney, Richland County: every NWS radar combined, rain, snow and ice colors, flash-flood risk, storm tracks and official warnings.
What weather hits Olney?
Since 1996, the National Weather Service has logged damaging thunderstorm winds on 69 days in the Richland forecast zone and Richland County — the most common reported hazard around Olney, mostly in June and May. Next come flash flooding (31 days) and heavy snow & winter storms (21 days).
| Hazard | Days reported | Most recent | Worst on record |
|---|---|---|---|
| Damaging thunderstorm winds | 69 | Mar 2026 | Apr 28, 2017 · $70,000 damage |
| Flash flooding | 31 | Aug 2022 | Jan 13, 2005 · $46,000 damage |
| Heavy snow & winter storms | 21 | Jan 2026 | — |
| Excessive heat | 14 | Aug 2023 | Jun 6, 2011 · 1 death |
| Flooding | 6 | May 2017 | — |
| Extreme cold & wind chill | 5 | Jan 2026 | — |
| High winds | 4 | Apr 2016 | Apr 6, 2016 · $25,000 damage |
| Ice storms & sleet | 3 | Feb 2011 | Feb 1, 2011 · $300,000 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 Richland forecast zone and Richland County; damage is as reported, not adjusted for inflation.
How much snow does Olney get?
A normal year brings about 11 inches of snow to Olney, based on NOAA's 1991–2020 climate normals for the Olney 2S weather station 1.9 miles away. The snowiest month is usually January (3.6 in).
| Oct | Nov | Dec | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0.0 | 0.5 | 2.7 | 3.6 | 2.6 | 1.1 | 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 Olney?
The closest NEXRAD Doppler radar is KVWX (Evansville, IN), about 38 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 Olney | View |
|---|---|---|---|
| KVWX Evansville, IN | 38 mi south-southeast | 2,500 ft | Excellent — the lowest scan sees close to the ground |
| KIND Indianapolis, IN | 118 mi northeast | 12,400 ft | Limited — the beam overshoots the lowest part of storms |
| KILX Lincoln, IL | 119 mi northwest | 12,500 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 Olney
Since 1950, NOAA has recorded 76 tornadoes within 25 miles of Olney, 26 of them EF2/F2 or stronger. Most came in May and April. The strongest was an F4 on January 7, 1989, which passed about 24 miles southeast of town. The most recent was an EF1 on May 26, 2024, which passed about 12 miles east-southeast of town.
Hail: 166 reports of 1-inch or larger hail within 25 miles since 1955, 17 of them 2 inches or more; the largest was 3.50-inch hail on April 24, 2002.
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 Olney'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.
Olney radar FAQ
Where is the nearest weather radar to Olney, IL?
KVWX (Evansville, IN), about 38 miles south-southeast. KIND (Indianapolis, IN) is 118 miles away and also covers the area.
Does radar show snow in Olney?
Yes. TALON colors snow blue, a rain–snow mix pink and freezing rain purple using NOAA's precipitation-type analysis. Over Olney the lowest scan from KVWX is about 2,500 ft up.
Is TALON's radar for Olney 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 Olney, follow it right away — see watch vs. warning.
Radar for nearby towns
- Sumner, IL radar 12 mi
- Bridgeport, IL radar 18 mi
- Newton, IL radar 18 mi
- Oblong, IL radar 21 mi
- Lawrenceville, IL radar 21 mi
- Flora, IL radar 21 mi
- Louisville, IL radar 23 mi
- Albion, IL radar 24 mi
- Robinson, IL radar 27 mi
- Mount Carmel, IL radar 27 mi