Norton Shores, MI Live Doppler Radar
Live radar for Norton Shores, Muskegon County: every NWS radar combined, rain, snow and ice colors, flash-flood risk, storm tracks and official warnings.
What weather hits Norton Shores?
Since 1996, the National Weather Service has logged heavy snow or a winter storm on 110 days in the Muskegon forecast zone and Muskegon County — the most common reported hazard around Norton Shores, mostly in January and December. Next come damaging thunderstorm winds (71 days) and high winds (15 days).
| Hazard | Days reported | Most recent | Worst on record |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heavy snow & winter storms | 110 | Jan 2026 | Oct 31, 2023 · $500,000 damage |
| Damaging thunderstorm winds | 71 | Jun 2026 | May 31, 1998 · $29 million damage |
| High winds | 15 | Dec 2024 | Nov 10, 1998 · 1 death |
| Blizzards | 8 | Dec 2022 | — |
| Flash flooding | 7 | May 2001 | May 15, 2001 · $700,000 damage |
| Flooding | 5 | May 2020 | May 18, 2020 · $6.0 million damage |
| Ice storms & sleet | 4 | Feb 2019 | Feb 5, 2019 · $2.0 million damage |
| Lightning casualties & damage | 1 | Jul 1998 | Jul 21, 1998 · $40,000 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 Muskegon forecast zone and Muskegon County; damage is as reported, not adjusted for inflation.
How much snow does Norton Shores get?
A normal year brings about 87 inches of snow to Norton Shores, based on NOAA's 1991–2020 climate normals for the Muskegon Co Ap weather station in town. The snowiest month is usually January (29.1 in).
| Oct | Nov | Dec | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0.0 | 6.5 | 22.3 | 29.1 | 20.0 | 7.5 | 1.8 | 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 Norton Shores?
The closest NEXRAD Doppler radar is KGRR (Grand Rapids, MI), about 40 miles east-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 Norton Shores | View |
|---|---|---|---|
| KGRR Grand Rapids, MI | 40 mi east-southeast | 2,600 ft | Excellent — the lowest scan sees close to the ground |
| KMKX Milwaukee/Sullivan, WI | 118 mi west | 12,400 ft | Limited — the beam overshoots the lowest part of storms |
| KIWX Fort Wayne, IN | 128 mi south-southeast | 14,100 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 Norton Shores
Since 1950, NOAA has recorded 28 tornadoes within 25 miles of Norton Shores, 7 of them EF2/F2 or stronger. Most came in April and May. The strongest was an F5 on April 3, 1956, which passed about 25 miles southeast of town and caused 17 deaths. The most recent was a tornado of unknown strength on October 13, 2024, which touched down about 21 miles south of town.
Hail: 70 reports of 1-inch or larger hail within 25 miles since 1955, 8 of them 2 inches or more; the largest was 4.00-inch hail on May 13, 1956.
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 Norton Shores'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.
Norton Shores radar FAQ
Where is the nearest weather radar to Norton Shores, MI?
KGRR (Grand Rapids, MI), about 40 miles east-southeast. KMKX (Milwaukee/Sullivan, WI) is 118 miles away and also covers the area.
Does radar show snow in Norton Shores?
Yes. TALON colors snow blue, a rain–snow mix pink and freezing rain purple using NOAA's precipitation-type analysis. Over Norton Shores the lowest scan from KGRR is about 2,600 ft up.
Is TALON's radar for Norton Shores 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 Norton Shores, follow it right away — see watch vs. warning.