Columbia, MD Live Doppler Radar
Live radar for Columbia, Howard County: every NWS radar combined, rain, snow and ice colors, flash-flood risk, storm tracks and official warnings.
What weather hits Columbia?
Since 1996, the National Weather Service has logged damaging thunderstorm winds on 155 days in the Central and Southeast Howard forecast zone and Howard County — the most common reported hazard around Columbia, mostly in June and July. Next come flash flooding (48 days) and flooding (38 days).
| Hazard | Days reported | Most recent | Worst on record |
|---|---|---|---|
| Damaging thunderstorm winds | 155 | May 2026 | Jun 8, 2022 · $1.0 million damage |
| Flash flooding | 48 | Jul 2025 | Jul 30, 2016 · 2 deaths · $22 million damage |
| Flooding | 38 | Jan 2024 | May 19, 2015 · 1 death · $10,000 damage |
| Excessive heat | 18 | Jul 2024 | — |
| Heavy snow & winter storms | 11 | Jan 2026 | — |
| Extreme cold & wind chill | 8 | Feb 2026 | — |
| Lightning casualties & damage | 7 | Jun 2023 | Aug 3, 2002 · $500,000 damage |
| High winds | 5 | Feb 2019 | — |
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 Central and Southeast Howard forecast zone and Howard County; damage is as reported, not adjusted for inflation.
How much snow does Columbia get?
A normal year brings about 29 inches of snow to Columbia, based on NOAA's 1991–2020 climate normals for the Columbia 2.3 N weather station 2.4 miles away. The snowiest month is usually February (10.0 in).
| Oct | Nov | Dec | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0.0 | 0.2 | 4.1 | 9.0 | 10.0 | 5.2 | 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 Columbia?
The closest NEXRAD Doppler radar is KLWX (Sterling, MD), about 37 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 Columbia | View |
|---|---|---|---|
| KLWX Sterling, MD | 37 mi west-southwest | 2,400 ft | Excellent — the lowest scan sees close to the ground |
| KDOX Dover AFB, DE | 80 mi east-southeast | 6,900 ft | Fair — the beam can pass over shallow snow and low-level rotation |
| KCCX State College, PA | 134 mi north-northwest | 15,100 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 Columbia
Since 1950, NOAA has recorded 113 tornadoes within 25 miles of Columbia, 12 of them EF2/F2 or stronger. Most came in June and July. The strongest was an F3 on September 24, 2001, which crossed near town and caused 2 deaths. The most recent was an EF0 on June 18, 2025, which touched down about 13 miles southeast of town.
Hail: 408 reports of 1-inch or larger hail within 25 miles since 1955, 20 of them 2 inches or more; the largest was 4.50-inch hail on June 18, 1970.
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 Columbia'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.
Columbia radar FAQ
Where is the nearest weather radar to Columbia, MD?
KLWX (Sterling, MD), about 37 miles west-southwest. KDOX (Dover AFB, DE) is 80 miles away and also covers the area.
Does radar show snow in Columbia?
Yes. TALON colors snow blue, a rain–snow mix pink and freezing rain purple using NOAA's precipitation-type analysis. Over Columbia the lowest scan from KLWX is about 2,400 ft up.
Is TALON's radar for Columbia 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 Columbia, follow it right away — see watch vs. warning.
Radar for nearby towns
- Laurel, MD radar 7 mi
- Sykesville, MD radar 13 mi
- Greenbelt, MD radar 14 mi
- Berwyn Heights, MD radar 15 mi
- College Park, MD radar 15 mi
- Baltimore, MD radar 15 mi
- New Carrollton, MD radar 16 mi
- University Park, MD radar 16 mi
- Riverdale Park, MD radar 17 mi
- Kensington, MD radar 17 mi