Iola, KS Live Doppler Radar
Live radar for Iola, Allen County: every NWS radar combined, rain, snow and ice colors, flash-flood risk, storm tracks and official warnings.
What weather hits Iola?
Since 1996, the National Weather Service has logged damaging thunderstorm winds on 74 days in the Allen forecast zone and Allen County — the most common reported hazard around Iola, mostly in June and August. Next come flooding (30 days) and heavy snow & winter storms (26 days).
| Hazard | Days reported | Most recent | Worst on record |
|---|---|---|---|
| Damaging thunderstorm winds | 74 | Jun 2026 | Jul 8, 2009 · $1.0 million damage |
| Flooding | 30 | Aug 2023 | Sep 13, 1998 · $50,000 damage |
| Heavy snow & winter storms | 26 | Jan 2026 | Jan 1, 1999 · $250,000 damage |
| Flash flooding | 19 | Aug 2019 | Jul 1, 2007 · $6.0 million damage |
| Excessive heat | 13 | Jul 2021 | Jul 16, 2006 · 1 death |
| Ice storms & sleet | 5 | Feb 2019 | — |
| High winds | 3 | Mar 2025 | Dec 13, 2008 · $10,000 damage |
| Extreme cold & wind chill | 2 | Feb 2021 | — |
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 Allen forecast zone and Allen County; damage is as reported, not adjusted for inflation.
How much snow does Iola get?
A normal year brings about 7.4 inches of snow to Iola, based on NOAA's 1991–2020 climate normals for the Iola 1 W weather station 1.3 miles away. The snowiest month is usually January (2.7 in).
| Oct | Nov | Dec | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0.0 | 0.2 | 2.4 | 2.7 | 1.1 | 1.0 | 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 Iola?
The closest NEXRAD Doppler radar is KTWX (Topeka, KS), about 87 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 Iola | View |
|---|---|---|---|
| KTWX Topeka, KS | 87 mi north-northwest | 7,700 ft | Fair — the beam can pass over shallow snow and low-level rotation |
| KEAX Kansas City, MO | 87 mi northeast | 7,700 ft | Fair — the beam can pass over shallow snow and low-level rotation |
| KICT Wichita, KS | 113 mi west | 11,600 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 Iola
Since 1950, NOAA has recorded 83 tornadoes within 25 miles of Iola, 20 of them EF2/F2 or stronger. Most came in May and April. The strongest was an F4 on April 12, 1964, which passed about 14 miles north-northeast of town and caused 3 deaths. The most recent was a tornado of unknown strength on June 29, 2024, which touched down about 22 miles west-southwest of town.
Hail: 366 reports of 1-inch or larger hail within 25 miles since 1955, 33 of them 2 inches or more; the largest was 4.25-inch hail on March 12, 2006.
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 Iola'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.
Iola radar FAQ
Where is the nearest weather radar to Iola, KS?
KTWX (Topeka, KS), about 87 miles north-northwest. KEAX (Kansas City, MO) is 87 miles away and also covers the area.
Does radar show snow in Iola?
Yes. TALON colors snow blue, a rain–snow mix pink and freezing rain purple using NOAA's precipitation-type analysis. Over Iola the lowest scan from KTWX is about 7,700 ft up, so light snow from shallow clouds can be under-shown — check NWS winter alerts too.
Is TALON's radar for Iola 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 Iola, follow it right away — see watch vs. warning.
Radar for nearby towns
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