Sparta, MI Live Doppler Radar
Live radar for Sparta, Kent County: every NWS radar combined, rain, snow and ice colors, flash-flood risk, storm tracks and official warnings.
What weather hits Sparta?
Since 1996, the National Weather Service has logged damaging thunderstorm winds on 123 days in the Kent forecast zone and Kent County — the most common reported hazard around Sparta, mostly in June and July. Next come heavy snow & winter storms (89 days) and flooding (14 days).
| Hazard | Days reported | Most recent | Worst on record |
|---|---|---|---|
| Damaging thunderstorm winds | 123 | Jun 2026 | Aug 24, 2023 · 3 deaths · $10 million damage |
| Heavy snow & winter storms | 89 | Jan 2026 | Apr 14, 2018 · $100,000 damage |
| Flooding | 14 | Mar 2026 | May 21, 2004 · $3.2 million damage |
| High winds | 13 | Dec 2021 | Mar 8, 2017 · $15 million damage |
| Flash flooding | 13 | Mar 2026 | May 15, 2001 · $700,000 damage |
| Ice storms & sleet | 6 | Feb 2019 | Feb 5, 2019 · $5.0 million damage |
| Blizzards | 6 | Dec 2022 | — |
| Lightning casualties & damage | 3 | Sep 2010 | Sep 21, 2010 · $500,000 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 Kent forecast zone and Kent County; damage is as reported, not adjusted for inflation.
How much snow does Sparta get?
A normal year brings about 48 inches of snow to Sparta, based on NOAA's 1991–2020 climate normals for the Kent City 2 Sw weather station 4.3 miles away. The snowiest month is usually December (15.0 in).
| Oct | Nov | Dec | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0.3 | 4.2 | 15.0 | 13.9 | 7.7 | 5.7 | 1.2 | 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 Sparta?
The closest NEXRAD Doppler radar is KGRR (Grand Rapids, MI), about 20 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 Sparta | View |
|---|---|---|---|
| KGRR Grand Rapids, MI | 20 mi south-southeast | 1,100 ft | Excellent — the lowest scan sees close to the ground |
| KDTX Detroit, MI | 118 mi east-southeast | 12,300 ft | Limited — the beam overshoots the lowest part of storms |
| KIWX Fort Wayne, IN | 124 mi south | 13,400 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 Sparta
Since 1950, NOAA has recorded 66 tornadoes within 25 miles of Sparta, 15 of them EF2/F2 or stronger. Most came in June and August. The strongest was an F5 on April 3, 1956, which passed about 5 miles southeast of town and caused 17 deaths. The most recent was an EF0 on March 30, 2025, which passed about 25 miles south-southeast of town.
Hail: 131 reports of 1-inch or larger hail within 25 miles since 1955, 10 of them 2 inches or more; the largest was 4.00-inch hail on August 1, 1993.
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 Sparta'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.
Sparta radar FAQ
Where is the nearest weather radar to Sparta, MI?
KGRR (Grand Rapids, MI), about 20 miles south-southeast. KDTX (Detroit, MI) is 118 miles away and also covers the area.
Does radar show snow in Sparta?
Yes. TALON colors snow blue, a rain–snow mix pink and freezing rain purple using NOAA's precipitation-type analysis. Over Sparta the lowest scan from KGRR is about 1,100 ft up.
Is TALON's radar for Sparta 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 Sparta, follow it right away — see watch vs. warning.
Radar for nearby towns
- Kent City, MI radar 5 mi
- Rockford, MI radar 8 mi
- Cedar Springs, MI radar 9 mi
- Walker, MI radar 11 mi
- Ravenna, MI radar 12 mi
- Coopersville, MI radar 13 mi
- Grand Rapids, MI radar 14 mi
- East Grand Rapids, MI radar 15 mi
- Grandville, MI radar 18 mi
- Wyoming, MI radar 18 mi