Galena, KS Live Doppler Radar
Live radar for Galena, Cherokee County: every NWS radar combined, rain, snow and ice colors, flash-flood risk, storm tracks and official warnings.
What weather hits Galena?
Since 1996, the National Weather Service has logged damaging thunderstorm winds on 137 days in the Cherokee forecast zone and Cherokee County — the most common reported hazard around Galena, mostly in April and May. Next come flash flooding (107 days) and flooding (25 days).
| Hazard | Days reported | Most recent | Worst on record |
|---|---|---|---|
| Damaging thunderstorm winds | 137 | Jun 2026 | May 8, 2009 · $5.5 million damage |
| Flash flooding | 107 | Jun 2026 | Jun 12, 2007 · $1.1 million damage |
| Flooding | 25 | May 2020 | Dec 28, 2015 · $750,000 damage |
| Heavy snow & winter storms | 22 | Jan 2026 | Dec 12, 2000 · 1 death · $10,000 damage |
| Ice storms & sleet | 9 | Feb 2019 | Dec 9, 2007 · $6.0 million damage |
| Excessive heat | 9 | Aug 2012 | Jul 10, 2011 · $108,000 damage |
| Extreme cold & wind chill | 6 | Feb 2025 | — |
| High winds | 5 | Nov 2015 | Nov 11, 2015 · $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 Cherokee forecast zone and Cherokee County; damage is as reported, not adjusted for inflation.
How much snow does Galena get?
A normal year brings about 7.2 inches of snow to Galena, based on NOAA's 1991–2020 climate normals for the Columbus weather station 13.4 miles away. The snowiest month is usually January (2.3 in).
| Oct | Nov | Dec | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0.0 | 0.2 | 2.3 | 2.3 | 1.1 | 1.3 | 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 Galena?
The closest NEXRAD Doppler radar is KSGF (Springfield, MO), about 69 miles east. 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 Galena | View |
|---|---|---|---|
| KSGF Springfield, MO | 69 mi east | 5,600 ft | Good — most storms and steady rain or snow show clearly |
| KINX Tulsa, OK | 81 mi southwest | 7,000 ft | Fair — the beam can pass over shallow snow and low-level rotation |
| KEAX Kansas City, MO | 122 mi north | 13,000 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 Galena
Since 1950, NOAA has recorded 161 tornadoes within 25 miles of Galena, 32 of them EF2/F2 or stronger. Most came in May and April. The strongest was an EF5 on May 22, 2011, which passed about 3 miles southeast of town and caused 158 deaths. The most recent was an EF1 on April 20, 2025, which passed about 2 miles northwest of town.
Hail: 663 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 May 6, 2003.
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 Galena'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.
Galena radar FAQ
Where is the nearest weather radar to Galena, KS?
KSGF (Springfield, MO), about 69 miles east. KINX (Tulsa, OK) is 81 miles away and also covers the area.
Does radar show snow in Galena?
Yes. TALON colors snow blue, a rain–snow mix pink and freezing rain purple using NOAA's precipitation-type analysis. Over Galena the lowest scan from KSGF is about 5,600 ft up.
Is TALON's radar for Galena 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 Galena, follow it right away — see watch vs. warning.
Radar for nearby towns
- Baxter Springs, KS radar 7 mi
- Columbus, KS radar 13 mi
- Pittsburg, KS radar 24 mi
- Frontenac, KS radar 27 mi
- Oswego, KS radar 27 mi
- Girard, KS radar 32 mi
- Arma, KS radar 33 mi
- Altamont, KS radar 37 mi
- Parsons, KS radar 39 mi
- Erie, KS radar 48 mi