Empire, MI Live Doppler Radar
Live radar for Empire, Leelanau County: every NWS radar combined, rain, snow and ice colors, flash-flood risk, storm tracks and official warnings.
What weather hits Empire?
Since 1996, the National Weather Service has logged heavy snow or a winter storm on 136 days in the Leelanau forecast zone and Leelanau County — the most common reported hazard around Empire, mostly in January and December. Next come damaging thunderstorm winds (26 days) and high winds (13 days).
| Hazard | Days reported | Most recent | Worst on record |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heavy snow & winter storms | 136 | Mar 2026 | Mar 2, 2012 · $14 million damage |
| Damaging thunderstorm winds | 26 | Jul 2025 | Aug 2, 2015 · $19 million damage |
| High winds | 13 | Feb 2025 | Nov 13, 2005 · $25,000 damage |
| Blizzards | 5 | Feb 2019 | — |
| Ice storms & sleet | 4 | Feb 2008 | — |
| Flooding | 4 | Sep 2023 | Oct 21, 2019 · $175,000 damage |
| Extreme cold & wind chill | 3 | Jan 2026 | Feb 10, 2008 · 1 death |
| Flash flooding | 3 | Aug 2021 | Sep 1, 2000 · $50,000 damage |
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 Leelanau forecast zone and Leelanau County; damage is as reported, not adjusted for inflation.
How much snow does Empire get?
A normal year brings about 143 inches of snow to Empire, based on NOAA's 1991–2020 climate normals for the Maple City 1E weather station 11.4 miles away. The snowiest month is usually January (44.5 in).
| Oct | Nov | Dec | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0.5 | 13.9 | 36.0 | 44.5 | 27.5 | 14.3 | 6.4 | 0.2 |
Normal snowfall in inches. TALON Pro compares this season's snow at your location with these normals as winter goes on.
Which radars cover Empire?
The closest NEXRAD Doppler radar is KAPX (Gaylord, MI), about 66 miles east. 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 Empire | View |
|---|---|---|---|
| KAPX Gaylord, MI | 66 mi east | 5,200 ft | Good — most storms and steady rain or snow show clearly |
| KGRB Green Bay, WI | 103 mi west-southwest | 10,100 ft | Limited — the beam overshoots the lowest part of storms |
| KGRR Grand Rapids, MI | 135 mi south | 15,300 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 Empire
Since 1950, NOAA has recorded 9 tornadoes within 25 miles of Empire, 2 of them EF2/F2 or stronger. Most came in June and July. The strongest was an F4 on April 3, 1956, which passed about 11 miles southeast of town and caused 1 death. The most recent was a tornado of unknown strength on September 22, 2025, which touched down about 15 miles east-southeast of town.
Hail: 45 reports of 1-inch or larger hail within 25 miles since 1955, 2 of them 2 inches or more; the largest was 3.25-inch hail on October 3, 2006.
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 Empire'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.
Empire radar FAQ
Where is the nearest weather radar to Empire, MI?
KAPX (Gaylord, MI), about 66 miles east. KGRB (Green Bay, WI) is 103 miles away and also covers the area.
Does radar show snow in Empire?
Yes. TALON colors snow blue, a rain–snow mix pink and freezing rain purple using NOAA's precipitation-type analysis. Over Empire the lowest scan from KAPX is about 5,200 ft up.
Is TALON's radar for Empire 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 Empire, follow it right away — see watch vs. warning.
Radar for nearby towns
- Frankfort, MI radar 15 mi
- Traverse City, MI radar 23 mi
- Kingsley, MI radar 31 mi
- Elk Rapids, MI radar 33 mi
- Manistee, MI radar 41 mi
- Manton, MI radar 43 mi
- Kalkaska, MI radar 43 mi
- Bellaire, MI radar 43 mi
- Mancelona, MI radar 49 mi
- Cadillac, MI radar 50 mi