Hazelton, KS Live Doppler Radar
Live radar for Hazelton, Barber County: every NWS radar combined, rain, snow and ice colors, flash-flood risk, storm tracks and official warnings.
What weather hits Hazelton?
Since 1996, the National Weather Service has logged damaging thunderstorm winds on 120 days in the Barber forecast zone and Barber County — the most common reported hazard around Hazelton, mostly in June and May. Next come high winds (49 days) and heavy snow & winter storms (33 days).
| Hazard | Days reported | Most recent | Worst on record |
|---|---|---|---|
| Damaging thunderstorm winds | 120 | Apr 2026 | May 24, 1998 · $500,000 damage |
| High winds | 49 | Mar 2026 | Apr 16, 2003 · $5,000 damage |
| Heavy snow & winter storms | 33 | Jan 2025 | — |
| Flooding | 9 | Sep 2017 | Sep 12, 2009 · $10,000 damage |
| Flash flooding | 8 | May 2023 | — |
| Ice storms & sleet | 7 | Jan 2017 | — |
| Blizzards | 5 | Feb 2013 | — |
| Extreme cold & wind chill | 3 | Dec 2016 | Dec 18, 2016 · 1 death |
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 Barber forecast zone and Barber County; damage is as reported, not adjusted for inflation.
Which radars cover Hazelton?
The closest NEXRAD Doppler radar is KVNX (Vance AFB, OK), about 28 miles south-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 Hazelton | View |
|---|---|---|---|
| KVNX Vance AFB, OK | 28 mi south-southeast | 1,700 ft | Excellent — the lowest scan sees close to the ground |
| KICT Wichita, KS | 66 mi northeast | 5,200 ft | Good — most storms and steady rain or snow show clearly |
| KDDC Dodge City, KS | 98 mi west-northwest | 9,300 ft | Fair — the beam can pass over shallow snow and low-level rotation |
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 Hazelton
Since 1950, NOAA has recorded 108 tornadoes within 25 miles of Hazelton, 18 of them EF2/F2 or stronger. Most came in May and April. The strongest was an F4 on April 17, 1976, which passed about 6 miles west-northwest of town. The most recent was an EF0 on June 17, 2025, which touched down about 22 miles east-northeast of town.
Hail: 503 reports of 1-inch or larger hail within 25 miles since 1955, 62 of them 2 inches or more; the largest was 4.50-inch hail on July 9, 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 Hazelton'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.
Hazelton radar FAQ
Where is the nearest weather radar to Hazelton, KS?
KVNX (Vance AFB, OK), about 28 miles south-southeast. KICT (Wichita, KS) is 66 miles away and also covers the area.
Does radar show snow in Hazelton?
Yes. TALON colors snow blue, a rain–snow mix pink and freezing rain purple using NOAA's precipitation-type analysis. Over Hazelton the lowest scan from KVNX is about 1,700 ft up.
Is TALON's radar for Hazelton 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 Hazelton, follow it right away — see watch vs. warning.
Radar for nearby towns
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