Branch, LA Live Doppler Radar
Live radar for Branch, Acadia County: every NWS radar combined, rain, snow and ice colors, flash-flood risk, storm tracks and official warnings.
What weather hits Branch?
Since 1996, the National Weather Service has logged damaging thunderstorm winds on 83 days in the Northern Acadia forecast zone and Acadia County — the most common reported hazard around Branch, mostly in May and April. Next come flash flooding (29 days) and flooding (5 days).
| Hazard | Days reported | Most recent | Worst on record |
|---|---|---|---|
| Damaging thunderstorm winds | 83 | Mar 2026 | Mar 16, 1998 · $200,000 damage |
| Flash flooding | 29 | May 2026 | Aug 12, 2016 · $45 million damage |
| Flooding | 5 | Aug 2016 | Aug 14, 2016 · $200 million damage |
| Lightning casualties & damage | 5 | Apr 2020 | Jul 30, 2000 · $50,000 damage |
| Heavy snow & winter storms | 1 | Jan 2025 | — |
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 Northern Acadia forecast zone and Acadia County; damage is as reported, not adjusted for inflation.
Which radars cover Branch?
The closest NEXRAD Doppler radar is KLCH (Lake Charles, LA), about 57 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 Branch | View |
|---|---|---|---|
| KLCH Lake Charles, LA | 57 mi west-southwest | 4,300 ft | Good — most storms and steady rain or snow show clearly |
| KPOE Fort Polk, LA | 70 mi northwest | 5,600 ft | Good — most storms and steady rain or snow show clearly |
| KHDC Hammond, LA | 113 mi east | 11,500 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 Branch
Since 1950, NOAA has recorded 238 tornadoes within 25 miles of Branch, 45 of them EF2/F2 or stronger. Most came in May and April. The strongest was an F3 on November 7, 1957, which passed about 5 miles east of town and caused 4 deaths. The most recent was an EF0 on June 10, 2025, which touched down about 23 miles south-southeast of town.
Hail: 170 reports of 1-inch or larger hail within 25 miles since 1955, 11 of them 2 inches or more; the largest was 2.75-inch hail on April 24, 2015.
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 Branch'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.
Branch radar FAQ
Where is the nearest weather radar to Branch, LA?
KLCH (Lake Charles, LA), about 57 miles west-southwest. KPOE (Fort Polk, LA) is 70 miles away and also covers the area.
Can radar see a tornado near Branch?
Radar can't see the tornado itself, but it shows the rotating storm and, once debris is lofted, a debris signature. Over Branch the lowest scan from KLCH is about 4,300 ft up — good — most storms and steady rain or snow show clearly.
Is TALON's radar for Branch 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 Branch, follow it right away — see watch vs. warning.
Radar for nearby towns
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