Independence, KS Live Doppler Radar
Live radar for Independence, Montgomery County: every NWS radar combined, rain, snow and ice colors, flash-flood risk, storm tracks and official warnings.
What weather hits Independence?
Since 1996, the National Weather Service has logged damaging thunderstorm winds on 134 days in the Montgomery forecast zone and Montgomery County — the most common reported hazard around Independence, mostly in June and April. Next come flash flooding (37 days) and flooding (30 days).
| Hazard | Days reported | Most recent | Worst on record |
|---|---|---|---|
| Damaging thunderstorm winds | 134 | Jun 2026 | Jun 8, 1998 · $1.0 million damage |
| Flash flooding | 37 | Jun 2026 | Aug 14, 2018 · 2 deaths |
| Flooding | 30 | Jun 2024 | Apr 29, 2012 · 1 death |
| Heavy snow & winter storms | 25 | Jan 2026 | Dec 24, 2009 · 1 death · $15,000 damage |
| Excessive heat | 15 | Jul 2021 | Jul 16, 2006 · 1 death |
| High winds | 8 | Mar 2026 | Mar 31, 1998 · $100,000 damage |
| Ice storms & sleet | 6 | Feb 2019 | — |
| Lightning casualties & damage | 6 | Sep 2019 | Sep 28, 2019 · 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 Montgomery forecast zone and Montgomery County; damage is as reported, not adjusted for inflation.
How much snow does Independence get?
A normal year brings about 7.4 inches of snow to Independence, based on NOAA's 1991–2020 climate normals for the Independence weather station in town. The snowiest month is usually January (2.2 in).
| Oct | Nov | Dec | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0.0 | 0.3 | 2.1 | 2.2 | 0.9 | 1.9 | 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 Independence?
The closest NEXRAD Doppler radar is KINX (Tulsa, OK), about 74 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 Independence | View |
|---|---|---|---|
| KINX Tulsa, OK | 74 mi south | 6,100 ft | Fair — the beam can pass over shallow snow and low-level rotation |
| KICT Wichita, KS | 99 mi west-northwest | 9,500 ft | Fair — the beam can pass over shallow snow and low-level rotation |
| KTWX Topeka, KS | 125 mi north-northwest | 13,600 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 Independence
Since 1950, NOAA has recorded 91 tornadoes within 25 miles of Independence, 21 of them EF2/F2 or stronger. Most came in May and April. The strongest was an F3 on March 15, 1982, which passed about 22 miles southeast of town and caused 1 death. The most recent was a tornado of unknown strength on April 27, 2024, which touched down about 23 miles north of town.
Hail: 447 reports of 1-inch or larger hail within 25 miles since 1955, 51 of them 2 inches or more; the largest was 8.00-inch hail on September 3, 1970.
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 Independence'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.
Independence radar FAQ
Where is the nearest weather radar to Independence, KS?
KINX (Tulsa, OK), about 74 miles south. KICT (Wichita, KS) is 99 miles away and also covers the area.
Does radar show snow in Independence?
Yes. TALON colors snow blue, a rain–snow mix pink and freezing rain purple using NOAA's precipitation-type analysis. Over Independence the lowest scan from KINX is about 6,100 ft up, so light snow from shallow clouds can be under-shown — check NWS winter alerts too.
Is TALON's radar for Independence 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 Independence, follow it right away — see watch vs. warning.
Radar for nearby towns
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