Walker, MI Live Doppler Radar
Live radar for Walker, Kent County: every NWS radar combined, rain, snow and ice colors, flash-flood risk, storm tracks and official warnings.
What weather hits Walker?
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 Walker, 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 Walker get?
A normal year brings about 75 inches of snow to Walker, based on NOAA's 1991–2020 climate normals for the E Grand Rapids weather station 8.3 miles away. The snowiest month is usually February (22.3 in).
| Oct | Nov | Dec | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0.0 | 6.0 | 17.0 | 21.7 | 22.3 | 5.3 | 2.6 | 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 Walker?
The closest NEXRAD Doppler radar is KGRR (Grand Rapids, MI), about 13 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 Walker | View |
|---|---|---|---|
| KGRR Grand Rapids, MI | 13 mi east-southeast | 700 ft | Excellent — the lowest scan sees close to the ground |
| KIWX Fort Wayne, IN | 113 mi south | 11,600 ft | Limited — the beam overshoots the lowest part of storms |
| KDTX Detroit, MI | 118 mi east | 12,300 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 Walker
Since 1950, NOAA has recorded 83 tornadoes within 25 miles of Walker, 18 of them EF2/F2 or stronger. Most came in April and August. The strongest was an F5 on April 3, 1956, which crossed near town and caused 17 deaths. The most recent was an EF0 on May 15, 2025, which passed about 15 miles south-southwest of town.
Hail: 147 reports of 1-inch or larger hail within 25 miles since 1955, 12 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 Walker'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.
Walker radar FAQ
Where is the nearest weather radar to Walker, MI?
KGRR (Grand Rapids, MI), about 13 miles east-southeast. KIWX (Fort Wayne, IN) is 113 miles away and also covers the area.
Does radar show snow in Walker?
Yes. TALON colors snow blue, a rain–snow mix pink and freezing rain purple using NOAA's precipitation-type analysis. Over Walker the lowest scan from KGRR is about 700 ft up.
Is TALON's radar for Walker 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 Walker, follow it right away — see watch vs. warning.
Radar for nearby towns
- Grand Rapids, MI radar 6 mi
- Grandville, MI radar 7 mi
- Wyoming, MI radar 8 mi
- East Grand Rapids, MI radar 8 mi
- Coopersville, MI radar 10 mi
- Hudsonville, MI radar 11 mi
- Sparta, MI radar 11 mi
- Kentwood, MI radar 11 mi
- Rockford, MI radar 14 mi
- Kent City, MI radar 16 mi