West Branch, MI Live Doppler Radar
Live radar for West Branch, Ogemaw County: every NWS radar combined, rain, snow and ice colors, flash-flood risk, storm tracks and official warnings.
What weather hits West Branch?
Since 1996, the National Weather Service has logged heavy snow or a winter storm on 58 days in the Ogemaw forecast zone and Ogemaw County — the most common reported hazard around West Branch, mostly in January and February. Next come damaging thunderstorm winds (52 days) and extreme cold & wind chill (7 days).
| Hazard | Days reported | Most recent | Worst on record |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heavy snow & winter storms | 58 | Mar 2026 | Mar 2, 2012 · $50,000 damage |
| Damaging thunderstorm winds | 52 | Aug 2025 | May 27, 2018 · 1 death · $15,000 damage |
| Extreme cold & wind chill | 7 | Feb 2026 | — |
| High winds | 5 | Dec 2021 | Nov 13, 2005 · $20,000 damage |
| Blizzards | 3 | Jan 1999 | — |
| Ice storms & sleet | 3 | Apr 2013 | Apr 11, 2013 · $5,000 damage |
| Excessive heat | 2 | Jun 2018 | — |
| Flooding | 2 | May 2020 | May 18, 2020 · $450,000 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 Ogemaw forecast zone and Ogemaw County; damage is as reported, not adjusted for inflation.
How much snow does West Branch get?
A normal year brings about 53 inches of snow to West Branch, based on NOAA's 1991–2020 climate normals for the W Branch 3Se weather station 2.2 miles away. The snowiest month is usually January (14.7 in).
| Oct | Nov | Dec | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0.3 | 3.8 | 12.6 | 14.7 | 11.7 | 6.9 | 2.9 | 0.1 |
Normal snowfall in inches. TALON Pro compares this season's snow at your location with these normals as winter goes on.
Which radars cover West Branch?
The closest NEXRAD Doppler radar is KAPX (Gaylord, MI), about 50 miles north-northwest. 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 West Branch | View |
|---|---|---|---|
| KAPX Gaylord, MI | 50 mi north-northwest | 3,500 ft | Good — most storms and steady rain or snow show clearly |
| KDTX Detroit, MI | 115 mi south-southeast | 12,000 ft | Limited — the beam overshoots the lowest part of storms |
| KGRR Grand Rapids, MI | 116 mi southwest | 12,000 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 West Branch
Since 1950, NOAA has recorded 37 tornadoes within 25 miles of West Branch, 10 of them EF2/F2 or stronger. Most came in June and July. The strongest was an F3 on March 30, 1976, which passed about 15 miles east of town and caused 1 death. The most recent was an EF1 on June 22, 2024, which passed about 11 miles south of town.
Hail: 78 reports of 1-inch or larger hail within 25 miles since 1955, 7 of them 2 inches or more; the largest was 4.50-inch hail on August 2, 2015.
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 West Branch'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.
West Branch radar FAQ
Where is the nearest weather radar to West Branch, MI?
KAPX (Gaylord, MI), about 50 miles north-northwest. KDTX (Detroit, MI) is 115 miles away and also covers the area.
Does radar show snow in West Branch?
Yes. TALON colors snow blue, a rain–snow mix pink and freezing rain purple using NOAA's precipitation-type analysis. Over West Branch the lowest scan from KAPX is about 3,500 ft up.
Is TALON's radar for West Branch 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 West Branch, follow it right away — see watch vs. warning.
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