Winthrop, ME Live Doppler Radar
Live radar for Winthrop, Kennebec County: every NWS radar combined, rain, snow and ice colors, flash-flood risk, storm tracks and official warnings.
What weather hits Winthrop?
Since 1996, the National Weather Service has logged heavy snow or a winter storm on 142 days in the Kennebec forecast zone and Kennebec County — the most common reported hazard around Winthrop, mostly in January and December. Next come damaging thunderstorm winds (66 days) and flooding (65 days).
| Hazard | Days reported | Most recent | Worst on record |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heavy snow & winter storms | 142 | Jan 2026 | Jan 12, 1996 · $500,000 damage |
| Damaging thunderstorm winds | 66 | Jun 2026 | Jun 30, 2021 · 1 death · $200,000 damage |
| Flooding | 65 | Apr 2024 | Apr 16, 2007 · $1.9 million damage |
| Extreme cold & wind chill | 24 | Feb 2023 | — |
| High winds | 21 | Dec 2023 | Feb 17, 2006 · $40,000 damage |
| Lightning casualties & damage | 19 | Jun 2010 | Jun 12, 2005 · 1 death |
| Flash flooding | 11 | Aug 2023 | Apr 16, 1997 · $350,000 damage |
| Blizzards | 7 | Jan 2022 | — |
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 Kennebec forecast zone and Kennebec County; damage is as reported, not adjusted for inflation.
How much snow does Winthrop get?
A normal year brings about 69 inches of snow to Winthrop, based on NOAA's 1991–2020 climate normals for the Gardiner weather station 10.7 miles away. The snowiest month is usually February (20.0 in).
| Oct | Nov | Dec | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0.2 | 2.3 | 13.3 | 17.6 | 20.0 | 12.7 | 2.8 | 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 Winthrop?
The closest NEXRAD Doppler radar is KGYX (Portland, ME), about 34 miles south-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 Winthrop | View |
|---|---|---|---|
| KGYX Portland, ME | 34 mi south-southwest | 2,100 ft | Excellent — the lowest scan sees close to the ground |
| KCBW Caribou, ME | 158 mi northeast | 19,800 ft | Limited — the beam overshoots the lowest part of storms |
| KCXX Burlington, VT | 159 mi west | 20,000 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 Winthrop
Since 1950, NOAA has recorded 17 tornadoes within 25 miles of Winthrop, 4 of them EF2/F2 or stronger. Most came in July and August. The strongest was an F2 on July 31, 1971, which touched down about 19 miles northwest of town. The most recent was an EF0 on July 24, 2012, which touched down about 25 miles south-southeast of town.
Hail: 113 reports of 1-inch or larger hail within 25 miles since 1955, 4 of them 2 inches or more; the largest was 2.50-inch hail on July 11, 1980.
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 Winthrop'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.
Winthrop radar FAQ
Where is the nearest weather radar to Winthrop, ME?
KGYX (Portland, ME), about 34 miles south-southwest. KCBW (Caribou, ME) is 158 miles away and also covers the area.
Does radar show snow in Winthrop?
Yes. TALON colors snow blue, a rain–snow mix pink and freezing rain purple using NOAA's precipitation-type analysis. Over Winthrop the lowest scan from KGYX is about 2,100 ft up.
Is TALON's radar for Winthrop 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 Winthrop, follow it right away — see watch vs. warning.
Radar for nearby towns
- Hallowell, ME radar 7 mi
- Augusta, ME radar 11 mi
- Gardiner, ME radar 12 mi
- Lewiston, ME radar 20 mi
- Waterville, ME radar 21 mi
- Auburn, ME radar 22 mi
- Bath, ME radar 27 mi
- Rockland, ME radar 43 mi
- Belfast, ME radar 46 mi
- Westbrook, ME radar 47 mi