Fountain, MI Live Doppler Radar
Live radar for Fountain, Mason County: every NWS radar combined, rain, snow and ice colors, flash-flood risk, storm tracks and official warnings.
What weather hits Fountain?
Since 1996, the National Weather Service has logged heavy snow or a winter storm on 107 days in the Mason forecast zone and Mason County — the most common reported hazard around Fountain, mostly in January and December. Next come damaging thunderstorm winds (49 days) and high winds (11 days).
| Hazard | Days reported | Most recent | Worst on record |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heavy snow & winter storms | 107 | Jan 2026 | Apr 14, 2018 · $100,000 damage |
| Damaging thunderstorm winds | 49 | Aug 2024 | May 31, 1998 · $1.0 million damage |
| High winds | 11 | Dec 2021 | Mar 8, 2017 · $5.0 million damage |
| Flash flooding | 7 | May 2012 | Jun 13, 2008 · $3.5 million damage |
| Flooding | 5 | Jul 2019 | Apr 17, 2013 · $3.0 million damage |
| Blizzards | 5 | Dec 2022 | — |
| Ice storms & sleet | 2 | Dec 2015 | Apr 3, 2003 · $200,000 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 Mason forecast zone and Mason County; damage is as reported, not adjusted for inflation.
Which radars cover Fountain?
The closest NEXRAD Doppler radar is KGRR (Grand Rapids, MI), about 86 miles south-southeast. 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 Fountain | View |
|---|---|---|---|
| KGRR Grand Rapids, MI | 86 mi south-southeast | 7,600 ft | Fair — the beam can pass over shallow snow and low-level rotation |
| KAPX Gaylord, MI | 93 mi northeast | 8,600 ft | Fair — the beam can pass over shallow snow and low-level rotation |
| KGRB Green Bay, WI | 100 mi west-northwest | 9,700 ft | Fair — the beam can pass over shallow snow and low-level rotation |
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 Fountain
Since 1950, NOAA has recorded 14 tornadoes within 25 miles of Fountain, 4 of them EF2/F2 or stronger. Most came in April and August. The strongest was an F4 on April 3, 1956, which passed about 23 miles north of town and caused 1 death. The most recent was an EF0 on August 28, 2018, which touched down about 19 miles east-southeast of town.
Hail: 44 reports of 1-inch or larger hail within 25 miles since 1955, 3 of them 2 inches or more; the largest was 2.50-inch hail on September 7, 2021.
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 Fountain'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.
Fountain radar FAQ
Where is the nearest weather radar to Fountain, MI?
KGRR (Grand Rapids, MI), about 86 miles south-southeast. KAPX (Gaylord, MI) is 93 miles away and also covers the area.
Does radar show snow in Fountain?
Yes. TALON colors snow blue, a rain–snow mix pink and freezing rain purple using NOAA's precipitation-type analysis. Over Fountain the lowest scan from KGRR is about 7,600 ft up, so light snow from shallow clouds can be under-shown — check NWS winter alerts too.
Is TALON's radar for Fountain 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 Fountain, follow it right away — see watch vs. warning.
Radar for nearby towns
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