Columbia City, IN Live Doppler Radar
Live radar for Columbia City, Whitley County: every NWS radar combined, rain, snow and ice colors, flash-flood risk, storm tracks and official warnings.
What weather hits Columbia City?
Since 1996, the National Weather Service has logged damaging thunderstorm winds on 93 days in the Whitley forecast zone and Whitley County — the most common reported hazard around Columbia City, mostly in July and June. Next come heavy snow & winter storms (34 days) and high winds (11 days).
| Hazard | Days reported | Most recent | Worst on record |
|---|---|---|---|
| Damaging thunderstorm winds | 93 | May 2026 | May 9, 2000 · $1.0 million damage |
| Heavy snow & winter storms | 34 | Jan 2026 | — |
| High winds | 11 | Mar 2026 | Mar 13, 2026 · $1,000 damage |
| Flash flooding | 10 | Jun 2023 | May 27, 2022 · $300,000 damage |
| Flooding | 9 | Jul 2022 | Jan 8, 2008 · $150,000 damage |
| Extreme cold & wind chill | 5 | Jan 2024 | — |
| Ice storms & sleet | 4 | Dec 2008 | Feb 24, 2007 · $25,000 damage |
| Lightning casualties & damage | 3 | Aug 2008 | Jun 28, 2005 · $50,000 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 Whitley forecast zone and Whitley County; damage is as reported, not adjusted for inflation.
How much snow does Columbia City get?
A normal year brings about 21 inches of snow to Columbia City, based on NOAA's 1991–2020 climate normals for the Columbia City weather station 1.4 miles away. The snowiest month is usually January (7.0 in).
| Oct | Nov | Dec | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0.0 | 1.2 | 3.4 | 7.0 | 6.5 | 3.0 | 0.3 | 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 Columbia City?
The closest NEXRAD Doppler radar is KIWX (Fort Wayne, IN), about 18 miles northwest. 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 Columbia City | View |
|---|---|---|---|
| KIWX Fort Wayne, IN | 18 mi northwest | 1,000 ft | Excellent — the lowest scan sees close to the ground |
| KIND Indianapolis, IN | 109 mi south-southwest | 11,000 ft | Limited — the beam overshoots the lowest part of storms |
| KGRR Grand Rapids, MI | 120 mi north | 12,700 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 Columbia City
Since 1950, NOAA has recorded 97 tornadoes within 25 miles of Columbia City, 25 of them EF2/F2 or stronger. Most came in June and May. The strongest was an F4 on April 3, 1974, which passed about 20 miles northwest of town and caused 18 deaths. The most recent was an EF1 on March 30, 2025, which touched down about 12 miles northeast of town.
Hail: 308 reports of 1-inch or larger hail within 25 miles since 1955, 24 of them 2 inches or more; the largest was 9.99-inch hail on May 6, 1961.
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 Columbia City'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.
Columbia City radar FAQ
Where is the nearest weather radar to Columbia City, IN?
KIWX (Fort Wayne, IN), about 18 miles northwest. KIND (Indianapolis, IN) is 109 miles away and also covers the area.
Does radar show snow in Columbia City?
Yes. TALON colors snow blue, a rain–snow mix pink and freezing rain purple using NOAA's precipitation-type analysis. Over Columbia City the lowest scan from KIWX is about 1,000 ft up.
Is TALON's radar for Columbia City 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 Columbia City, follow it right away — see watch vs. warning.
Radar for nearby towns
- South Whitley, IN radar 9 mi
- Churubusco, IN radar 10 mi
- Roanoke, IN radar 15 mi
- Albion, IN radar 16 mi
- Huntertown, IN radar 17 mi
- Winona Lake, IN radar 18 mi
- Fort Wayne, IN radar 18 mi
- Avilla, IN radar 19 mi
- North Manchester, IN radar 19 mi
- Huntington, IN radar 20 mi