Altoona, KS Live Doppler Radar
Live radar for Altoona, Wilson County: every NWS radar combined, rain, snow and ice colors, flash-flood risk, storm tracks and official warnings.
What weather hits Altoona?
Since 1996, the National Weather Service has logged damaging thunderstorm winds on 70 days in the Wilson forecast zone and Wilson County — the most common reported hazard around Altoona, mostly in June and April. Next come heavy snow & winter storms (27 days) and flash flooding (25 days).
| Hazard | Days reported | Most recent | Worst on record |
|---|---|---|---|
| Damaging thunderstorm winds | 70 | May 2026 | May 8, 2009 · 1 death · $510,000 damage |
| Heavy snow & winter storms | 27 | Jan 2026 | Jan 1, 1999 · $300,000 damage |
| Flash flooding | 25 | Apr 2024 | Jul 1, 2007 · $22 million damage |
| Flooding | 19 | Apr 2024 | May 7, 2019 · $200 damage |
| Excessive heat | 14 | Jul 2021 | — |
| Ice storms & sleet | 6 | Feb 2019 | — |
| High winds | 3 | Mar 2025 | Dec 13, 2008 · $2,000 damage |
| Lightning casualties & damage | 3 | Jul 2011 | Aug 20, 2005 · $150,000 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 Wilson forecast zone and Wilson County; damage is as reported, not adjusted for inflation.
How much snow does Altoona get?
A normal year brings about 6.5 inches of snow to Altoona, based on NOAA's 1991–2020 climate normals for the Fredonia weather station 9.1 miles away. The snowiest month is usually January (2.9 in).
| Oct | Nov | Dec | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0.0 | 0.0 | 2.3 | 2.9 | 0.8 | 0.4 | 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 Altoona?
The closest NEXRAD Doppler radar is KINX (Tulsa, OK), about 93 miles south. 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 Altoona | View |
|---|---|---|---|
| KINX Tulsa, OK | 93 mi south | 8,700 ft | Fair — the beam can pass over shallow snow and low-level rotation |
| KICT Wichita, KS | 98 mi west | 9,300 ft | Fair — the beam can pass over shallow snow and low-level rotation |
| KTWX Topeka, KS | 106 mi north-northwest | 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 Altoona
Since 1950, NOAA has recorded 92 tornadoes within 25 miles of Altoona, 24 of them EF2/F2 or stronger. Most came in May and April. The strongest was an F3 on May 8, 2003, which passed about 24 miles north-northwest of town. The most recent was a tornado of unknown strength on June 29, 2024, which touched down about 23 miles north-northwest of town.
Hail: 471 reports of 1-inch or larger hail within 25 miles since 1955, 57 of them 2 inches or more; the largest was 4.50-inch hail on August 9, 1998.
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 Altoona'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.
Altoona radar FAQ
Where is the nearest weather radar to Altoona, KS?
KINX (Tulsa, OK), about 93 miles south. KICT (Wichita, KS) is 98 miles away and also covers the area.
Does radar show snow in Altoona?
Yes. TALON colors snow blue, a rain–snow mix pink and freezing rain purple using NOAA's precipitation-type analysis. Over Altoona the lowest scan from KINX is about 8,700 ft up, so light snow from shallow clouds can be under-shown — check NWS winter alerts too.
Is TALON's radar for Altoona 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 Altoona, follow it right away — see watch vs. warning.
Radar for nearby towns
- Neodesha, KS radar 7 mi
- Fredonia, KS radar 9 mi
- Chanute, KS radar 15 mi
- Cherryvale, KS radar 19 mi
- Independence, KS radar 20 mi
- Erie, KS radar 23 mi
- Humboldt, KS radar 23 mi
- Yates Center, KS radar 24 mi
- Parsons, KS radar 25 mi
- Altamont, KS radar 31 mi