Sandusky, MI Live Doppler Radar
Live radar for Sandusky, Sanilac County: every NWS radar combined, rain, snow and ice colors, flash-flood risk, storm tracks and official warnings.
What weather hits Sandusky?
Since 1996, the National Weather Service has logged heavy snow or a winter storm on 75 days in the Sanilac forecast zone and Sanilac County — the most common reported hazard around Sandusky, mostly in January and February. Next come damaging thunderstorm winds (69 days) and high winds (27 days).
| Hazard | Days reported | Most recent | Worst on record |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heavy snow & winter storms | 75 | Feb 2025 | Apr 14, 2018 · $1.0 million damage |
| Damaging thunderstorm winds | 69 | May 2026 | May 17, 1999 · $50,000 damage |
| High winds | 27 | Mar 2026 | Mar 8, 2017 · $7.0 million damage |
| Extreme cold & wind chill | 14 | Jan 2019 | Feb 19, 2001 · 1 death |
| Excessive heat | 12 | Jul 2018 | — |
| Blizzards | 6 | Feb 2011 | — |
| Flooding | 6 | Jul 2020 | Nov 1, 2019 · $1.0 million damage |
| Flash flooding | 5 | Aug 2006 | Aug 2, 2006 · $1.3 million 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 Sanilac forecast zone and Sanilac County; damage is as reported, not adjusted for inflation.
Which radars cover Sandusky?
The closest NEXRAD Doppler radar is KDTX (Detroit, MI), about 59 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 Sandusky | View |
|---|---|---|---|
| KDTX Detroit, MI | 59 mi south-southwest | 4,500 ft | Good — most storms and steady rain or snow show clearly |
| KAPX Gaylord, MI | 139 mi northwest | 16,000 ft | Limited — the beam overshoots the lowest part of storms |
| KGRR Grand Rapids, MI | 141 mi west-southwest | 16,500 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 Sandusky
Since 1950, NOAA has recorded 44 tornadoes within 25 miles of Sandusky, 6 of them EF2/F2 or stronger. Most came in June and May. The strongest was an F4 on June 8, 1953, which passed about 19 miles south of town. The most recent was an EF1 on July 26, 2025, which touched down about 13 miles northeast of town.
Hail: 56 reports of 1-inch or larger hail within 25 miles since 1955, 7 of them 2 inches or more; the largest was 2.75-inch hail on July 28, 1999.
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 Sandusky'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.
Sandusky radar FAQ
Where is the nearest weather radar to Sandusky, MI?
KDTX (Detroit, MI), about 59 miles south-southwest. KAPX (Gaylord, MI) is 139 miles away and also covers the area.
Does radar show snow in Sandusky?
Yes. TALON colors snow blue, a rain–snow mix pink and freezing rain purple using NOAA's precipitation-type analysis. Over Sandusky the lowest scan from KDTX is about 4,500 ft up.
Is TALON's radar for Sandusky 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 Sandusky, follow it right away — see watch vs. warning.
Radar for nearby towns
- Marlette, MI radar 14 mi
- Croswell, MI radar 15 mi
- Brown City, MI radar 16 mi
- Yale, MI radar 20 mi
- Cass City, MI radar 21 mi
- North Branch, MI radar 22 mi
- Bad Axe, MI radar 28 mi
- Caro, MI radar 29 mi
- Capac, MI radar 29 mi
- Imlay City, MI radar 30 mi