Laurel, MD Live Doppler Radar
Live radar for Laurel, Prince Georges County: every NWS radar combined, rain, snow and ice colors, flash-flood risk, storm tracks and official warnings.
What weather hits Laurel?
Since 1996, the National Weather Service has logged damaging thunderstorm winds on 227 days in the Prince Georges forecast zone and Prince Georges County — the most common reported hazard around Laurel, mostly in July and June. Next come excessive heat (72 days) and flooding (72 days).
| Hazard | Days reported | Most recent | Worst on record |
|---|---|---|---|
| Damaging thunderstorm winds | 227 | Jun 2026 | Jun 11, 2026 · 1 death · $1,000 damage |
| Excessive heat | 72 | Jun 2025 | Aug 1, 2002 · 2 deaths |
| Flooding | 72 | Jan 2024 | Oct 8, 2005 · $200,000 damage |
| Flash flooding | 62 | Jul 2025 | Jun 25, 2006 · $2.5 million damage |
| Heavy snow & winter storms | 45 | Jan 2026 | Feb 14, 2003 · $1.0 million damage |
| High winds | 17 | Feb 2026 | Oct 29, 2012 · $3.1 million damage |
| Extreme cold & wind chill | 17 | Feb 2026 | Mar 11, 1998 · $3,000 damage |
| Lightning casualties & damage | 11 | Jun 2007 | Jun 27, 2007 · 1 death |
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 Prince Georges forecast zone and Prince Georges County; damage is as reported, not adjusted for inflation.
How much snow does Laurel get?
A normal year brings about 16 inches of snow to Laurel, based on NOAA's 1991–2020 climate normals for the Beltsville weather station 5.8 miles away. The snowiest month is usually January (5.7 in).
| Oct | Nov | Dec | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0.0 | 0.2 | 2.3 | 5.7 | 5.0 | 2.5 | 0.1 | 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 Laurel?
The closest NEXRAD Doppler radar is KLWX (Sterling, MD), about 35 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 Laurel | View |
|---|---|---|---|
| KLWX Sterling, MD | 35 mi west-southwest | 2,200 ft | Excellent — the lowest scan sees close to the ground |
| KDOX Dover AFB, DE | 79 mi east-southeast | 6,700 ft | Fair — the beam can pass over shallow snow and low-level rotation |
| KCCX State College, PA | 140 mi north-northwest | 16,300 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 Laurel
Since 1950, NOAA has recorded 117 tornadoes within 25 miles of Laurel, 14 of them EF2/F2 or stronger. Most came in June and July. The strongest was an F3 on September 24, 2001, which passed about 2 miles west-northwest of town and caused 2 deaths. The most recent was an EF0 on July 31, 2025, which touched down about 22 miles east-southeast of town.
Hail: 403 reports of 1-inch or larger hail within 25 miles since 1955, 17 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 Laurel'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.
Laurel radar FAQ
Where is the nearest weather radar to Laurel, MD?
KLWX (Sterling, MD), about 35 miles west-southwest. KDOX (Dover AFB, DE) is 79 miles away and also covers the area.
Does radar show snow in Laurel?
Yes. TALON colors snow blue, a rain–snow mix pink and freezing rain purple using NOAA's precipitation-type analysis. Over Laurel the lowest scan from KLWX is about 2,200 ft up.
Is TALON's radar for Laurel 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 Laurel, follow it right away — see watch vs. warning.
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