Watson, IL Live Doppler Radar
Live radar for Watson, Effingham County: every NWS radar combined, rain, snow and ice colors, flash-flood risk, storm tracks and official warnings.
What weather hits Watson?
Since 1996, the National Weather Service has logged damaging thunderstorm winds on 105 days in the Effingham forecast zone and Effingham County — the most common reported hazard around Watson, mostly in June and May. Next come flash flooding (56 days) and heavy snow & winter storms (27 days).
| Hazard | Days reported | Most recent | Worst on record |
|---|---|---|---|
| Damaging thunderstorm winds | 105 | Jun 2026 | Jul 19, 2020 · $250,000 damage |
| Flash flooding | 56 | Jun 2026 | Jun 8, 2015 · $75,000 damage |
| Heavy snow & winter storms | 27 | Jan 2026 | Dec 30, 1997 · 1 death |
| Flooding | 15 | Jan 2020 | Dec 27, 2015 · $300,000 damage |
| Excessive heat | 14 | Aug 2023 | Jul 13, 2015 · 1 death |
| High winds | 8 | Mar 2026 | Jan 29, 2008 · $35,000 damage |
| Extreme cold & wind chill | 7 | Jan 2026 | Feb 2, 2011 · 1 death |
| Ice storms & sleet | 4 | Mar 2014 | — |
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 Effingham forecast zone and Effingham County; damage is as reported, not adjusted for inflation.
How much snow does Watson get?
A normal year brings about 15 inches of snow to Watson, based on NOAA's 1991–2020 climate normals for the Effingham 3Sw weather station 7 miles away. The snowiest month is usually January (5.3 in).
| Oct | Nov | Dec | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0.0 | 0.6 | 2.4 | 5.3 | 4.6 | 1.5 | 0.2 | 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 Watson?
The closest NEXRAD Doppler radar is KVWX (Evansville, IN), about 70 miles 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 Watson | View |
|---|---|---|---|
| KVWX Evansville, IN | 70 mi southeast | 5,700 ft | Good — most storms and steady rain or snow show clearly |
| KILX Lincoln, IL | 88 mi north-northwest | 7,900 ft | Fair — the beam can pass over shallow snow and low-level rotation |
| KLSX St. Louis, MO | 116 mi west | 12,100 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 Watson
Since 1950, NOAA has recorded 89 tornadoes within 25 miles of Watson, 25 of them EF2/F2 or stronger. Most came in May and April. The strongest was an F4 on June 2, 1990, which passed about 17 miles east-southeast of town. The most recent was a tornado of unknown strength on April 30, 2025, which touched down about 9 miles north-northeast of town.
Hail: 150 reports of 1-inch or larger hail within 25 miles since 1955, 13 of them 2 inches or more; the largest was 4.50-inch hail on April 10, 2001.
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 Watson'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.
Watson radar FAQ
Where is the nearest weather radar to Watson, IL?
KVWX (Evansville, IN), about 70 miles southeast. KILX (Lincoln, IL) is 88 miles away and also covers the area.
Does radar show snow in Watson?
Yes. TALON colors snow blue, a rain–snow mix pink and freezing rain purple using NOAA's precipitation-type analysis. Over Watson the lowest scan from KVWX is about 5,700 ft up.
Is TALON's radar for Watson 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 Watson, follow it right away — see watch vs. warning.
Radar for nearby towns
- Effingham, IL radar 7 mi
- Teutopolis, IL radar 9 mi
- Altamont, IL radar 10 mi
- St. Elmo, IL radar 15 mi
- Louisville, IL radar 18 mi
- Neoga, IL radar 21 mi
- Newton, IL radar 22 mi
- Toledo, IL radar 24 mi
- Flora, IL radar 25 mi
- Greenup, IL radar 27 mi