Van Lear, KY Live Doppler Radar
Live radar for Van Lear, Johnson County: every NWS radar combined, rain, snow and ice colors, flash-flood risk, storm tracks and official warnings.
What weather hits Van Lear?
Since 1996, the National Weather Service has logged damaging thunderstorm winds on 102 days in the Johnson forecast zone and Johnson County — the most common reported hazard around Van Lear, mostly in June and May. Next come heavy snow & winter storms (42 days) and flash flooding (33 days).
| Hazard | Days reported | Most recent | Worst on record |
|---|---|---|---|
| Damaging thunderstorm winds | 102 | Dec 2025 | Jul 4, 2018 · $60,000 damage |
| Heavy snow & winter storms | 42 | Jan 2026 | Jan 6, 1996 · $5,000 damage |
| Flash flooding | 33 | Apr 2025 | Jul 13, 2015 · 4 deaths · $3.5 million damage |
| Flooding | 14 | Mar 2021 | May 31, 2004 · $4.0 million damage |
| Ice storms & sleet | 6 | Feb 2021 | — |
| High winds | 6 | Sep 2024 | Sep 27, 2024 · $20,000 damage |
| Extreme cold & wind chill | 4 | Feb 2015 | — |
| Excessive heat | 4 | Aug 2010 | — |
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 Johnson forecast zone and Johnson County; damage is as reported, not adjusted for inflation.
How much snow does Van Lear get?
A normal year brings about 3.6 inches of snow to Van Lear, based on NOAA's 1991–2020 climate normals for the Ivel weather station 14.7 miles away. The snowiest month is usually January (1.7 in).
| Oct | Nov | Dec | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.4 | 1.7 | 1.2 | 0.3 | 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 Van Lear?
The closest NEXRAD Doppler radar is KJKL (Jackson, KY), about 33 miles west-southwest. 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 Van Lear | View |
|---|---|---|---|
| KJKL Jackson, KY | 33 mi west-southwest | 2,100 ft | Excellent — the lowest scan sees close to the ground |
| KRLX Charleston, WV | 67 mi northeast | 5,300 ft | Good — most storms and steady rain or snow show clearly |
| KMRX Knoxville, TN | 117 mi south-southwest | 12,200 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 Van Lear
Since 1950, NOAA has recorded 11 tornadoes within 25 miles of Van Lear, 4 of them EF2/F2 or stronger. Most came in June and July. The strongest was an EF3 on March 2, 2012, which passed about 17 miles north of town and caused 10 deaths. The most recent was an EF1 on August 7, 2023, which passed about 25 miles north of town.
Hail: 194 reports of 1-inch or larger hail within 25 miles since 1955, 13 of them 2 inches or more; the largest was 4.00-inch hail on May 19, 1967.
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 Van Lear'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.
Van Lear radar FAQ
Where is the nearest weather radar to Van Lear, KY?
KJKL (Jackson, KY), about 33 miles west-southwest. KRLX (Charleston, WV) is 67 miles away and also covers the area.
Does radar show snow in Van Lear?
Yes. TALON colors snow blue, a rain–snow mix pink and freezing rain purple using NOAA's precipitation-type analysis. Over Van Lear the lowest scan from KJKL is about 2,100 ft up.
Is TALON's radar for Van Lear 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 Van Lear, follow it right away — see watch vs. warning.
Radar for nearby towns
- Paintsville, KY radar 4 mi
- Prestonsburg, KY radar 7 mi
- Salyersville, KY radar 17 mi
- Coal Run Village, KY radar 20 mi
- Pikeville, KY radar 24 mi
- Louisa, KY radar 24 mi
- West Liberty, KY radar 30 mi
- Wheelwright, KY radar 30 mi
- Jackson, KY radar 37 mi
- Grayson, KY radar 40 mi