Formoso, KS Live Doppler Radar
Live radar for Formoso, Jewell County: every NWS radar combined, rain, snow and ice colors, flash-flood risk, storm tracks and official warnings.
What weather hits Formoso?
Since 1996, the National Weather Service has logged damaging thunderstorm winds on 75 days in the Jewell forecast zone and Jewell County — the most common reported hazard around Formoso, mostly in July and June. Next come heavy snow & winter storms (51 days) and high winds (21 days).
| Hazard | Days reported | Most recent | Worst on record |
|---|---|---|---|
| Damaging thunderstorm winds | 75 | Aug 2025 | Sep 10, 2015 · $1.1 million damage |
| Heavy snow & winter storms | 51 | Jan 2024 | Oct 25, 1997 · $3.5 million damage |
| High winds | 21 | Mar 2026 | Apr 27, 2002 · $15,000 damage |
| Extreme cold & wind chill | 11 | Feb 2025 | — |
| Blizzards | 9 | Mar 2025 | — |
| Flash flooding | 9 | May 2025 | Jun 22, 2003 · $4.5 million damage |
| Ice storms & sleet | 4 | Jan 2017 | Dec 30, 2006 · $300,000 damage |
| Flooding | 3 | Jun 2011 | Jun 2, 2011 · $3.1 million 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 Jewell forecast zone and Jewell County; damage is as reported, not adjusted for inflation.
How much snow does Formoso get?
A normal year brings about 25 inches of snow to Formoso, based on NOAA's 1991–2020 climate normals for the Mankato weather station 11.2 miles away. The snowiest month is usually February (7.7 in).
| Oct | Nov | Dec | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0.4 | 2.0 | 5.4 | 5.0 | 7.7 | 3.5 | 1.0 | 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 Formoso?
The closest NEXRAD Doppler radar is KUEX (Hastings, NE), about 44 miles north-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 Formoso | View |
|---|---|---|---|
| KUEX Hastings, NE | 44 mi north-northwest | 3,000 ft | Good — most storms and steady rain or snow show clearly |
| KTWX Topeka, KS | 108 mi east-southeast | 10,900 ft | Limited — the beam overshoots the lowest part of storms |
| KOAX Omaha, NE | 137 mi northeast | 15,600 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 Formoso
Since 1950, NOAA has recorded 144 tornadoes within 25 miles of Formoso, 29 of them EF2/F2 or stronger. Most came in May and June. The strongest was an F4 on June 4, 1955, which crossed near town. The most recent was a tornado of unknown strength on October 12, 2023, which touched down about 23 miles south-southwest of town.
Hail: 606 reports of 1-inch or larger hail within 25 miles since 1955, 91 of them 2 inches or more; the largest was 5.25-inch hail on May 27, 2013.
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 Formoso'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.
Formoso radar FAQ
Where is the nearest weather radar to Formoso, KS?
KUEX (Hastings, NE), about 44 miles north-northwest. KTWX (Topeka, KS) is 108 miles away and also covers the area.
Does radar show snow in Formoso?
Yes. TALON colors snow blue, a rain–snow mix pink and freezing rain purple using NOAA's precipitation-type analysis. Over Formoso the lowest scan from KUEX is about 3,000 ft up.
Is TALON's radar for Formoso 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 Formoso, follow it right away — see watch vs. warning.
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