Lowell, KS Live Doppler Radar
Live radar for Lowell, Cherokee County: every NWS radar combined, rain, snow and ice colors, flash-flood risk, storm tracks and official warnings.
What weather hits Lowell?
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 Lowell, 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 Lowell get?
A normal year brings about 7.2 inches of snow to Lowell, based on NOAA's 1991–2020 climate normals for the Columbus weather station 11.6 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 Lowell?
The closest NEXRAD Doppler radar is KSGF (Springfield, MO), about 73 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 Lowell | View |
|---|---|---|---|
| KSGF Springfield, MO | 73 mi east | 6,000 ft | Fair — the beam can pass over shallow snow and low-level rotation |
| KINX Tulsa, OK | 77 mi southwest | 6,500 ft | Fair — the beam can pass over shallow snow and low-level rotation |
| KSRX Fort Smith, AR | 123 mi south | 13,300 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 Lowell
Since 1950, NOAA has recorded 168 tornadoes within 25 miles of Lowell, 35 of them EF2/F2 or stronger. Most came in May and April. The strongest was an EF5 on May 22, 2011, which passed about 6 miles east of town and caused 158 deaths. The most recent was an EF1 on April 20, 2025, which crossed near town.
Hail: 677 reports of 1-inch or larger hail within 25 miles since 1955, 58 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 Lowell'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.
Lowell radar FAQ
Where is the nearest weather radar to Lowell, KS?
KSGF (Springfield, MO), about 73 miles east. KINX (Tulsa, OK) is 77 miles away and also covers the area.
Does radar show snow in Lowell?
Yes. TALON colors snow blue, a rain–snow mix pink and freezing rain purple using NOAA's precipitation-type analysis. Over Lowell the lowest scan from KSGF is about 6,000 ft up, so light snow from shallow clouds can be under-shown — check NWS winter alerts too.
Is TALON's radar for Lowell 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 Lowell, follow it right away — see watch vs. warning.
Radar for nearby towns
- Baxter Springs, KS radar 3 mi
- Galena, KS radar 4 mi
- Columbus, KS radar 11 mi
- Oswego, KS radar 24 mi
- Pittsburg, KS radar 25 mi
- Frontenac, KS radar 28 mi
- Girard, KS radar 33 mi
- Altamont, KS radar 34 mi
- Arma, KS radar 34 mi
- Parsons, KS radar 37 mi