Columbus, KY Live Doppler Radar
Live radar for Columbus, Hickman County: every NWS radar combined, rain, snow and ice colors, flash-flood risk, storm tracks and official warnings.
What weather hits Columbus?
Since 1996, the National Weather Service has logged dangerous heat on 87 days in the Hickman forecast zone and Hickman County — the most common reported hazard around Columbus, mostly in July and August. Next come damaging thunderstorm winds (61 days) and flooding (38 days).
| Hazard | Days reported | Most recent | Worst on record |
|---|---|---|---|
| Excessive heat | 87 | Aug 2025 | — |
| Damaging thunderstorm winds | 61 | May 2025 | Apr 5, 2023 · $125,000 damage |
| Flooding | 38 | Feb 2025 | Feb 16, 2025 · $150,000 damage |
| Heavy snow & winter storms | 32 | Jan 2026 | — |
| Flash flooding | 32 | Sep 2025 | Feb 24, 2011 · 4 deaths |
| Extreme cold & wind chill | 18 | Jan 2026 | — |
| High winds | 7 | Feb 2009 | Sep 14, 2008 · $5.2 million damage |
| Ice storms & sleet | 6 | Dec 2023 | Jan 26, 2009 · $10 million 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 Hickman forecast zone and Hickman County; damage is as reported, not adjusted for inflation.
Which radars cover Columbus?
The closest NEXRAD Doppler radar is KPAH (Paducah, KY), about 28 miles northeast. 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 Columbus | View |
|---|---|---|---|
| KPAH Paducah, KY | 28 mi northeast | 1,700 ft | Excellent — the lowest scan sees close to the ground |
| KHPX Fort Campbell, KY | 101 mi east | 9,700 ft | Fair — the beam can pass over shallow snow and low-level rotation |
| KNQA Memphis, TN | 107 mi south-southwest | 10,600 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 Columbus
Since 1950, NOAA has recorded 109 tornadoes within 25 miles of Columbus, 40 of them EF2/F2 or stronger. Most came in April and May. The strongest was an EF4 on December 10, 2021, which passed about 16 miles south-southeast of town and caused 57 deaths. The most recent was an EF1 on November 18, 2025, which passed about 14 miles south of town.
Hail: 165 reports of 1-inch or larger hail within 25 miles since 1955, 11 of them 2 inches or more; the largest was 4.50-inch hail on May 16, 2025.
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 Columbus'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.
Columbus radar FAQ
Where is the nearest weather radar to Columbus, KY?
KPAH (Paducah, KY), about 28 miles northeast. KHPX (Fort Campbell, KY) is 101 miles away and also covers the area.
Does radar show snow in Columbus?
Yes. TALON colors snow blue, a rain–snow mix pink and freezing rain purple using NOAA's precipitation-type analysis. Over Columbus the lowest scan from KPAH is about 1,700 ft up.
Is TALON's radar for Columbus 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 Columbus, follow it right away — see watch vs. warning.
Radar for nearby towns
- Clinton, KY radar 9 mi
- Hickman, KY radar 14 mi
- Fulton, KY radar 21 mi
- Mayfield, KY radar 25 mi
- Paducah, KY radar 33 mi
- Benton, KY radar 41 mi
- Calvert City, KY radar 44 mi
- Murray, KY radar 44 mi
- Eddyville, KY radar 61 mi