Ellendale, MN Live Doppler Radar
Live radar for Ellendale, Steele County: every NWS radar combined, rain, snow and ice colors, flash-flood risk, storm tracks and official warnings.
What weather hits Ellendale?
Since 1996, the National Weather Service has logged heavy snow or a winter storm on 86 days in the Steele forecast zone and Steele County — the most common reported hazard around Ellendale, mostly in January and March. Next come damaging thunderstorm winds (48 days) and blizzards (22 days).
| Hazard | Days reported | Most recent | Worst on record |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heavy snow & winter storms | 86 | Nov 2025 | — |
| Damaging thunderstorm winds | 48 | Jul 2025 | May 19, 1996 · $5.0 million damage |
| Blizzards | 22 | Mar 2026 | — |
| Extreme cold & wind chill | 21 | Jan 2026 | — |
| Flash flooding | 18 | Jun 2026 | Oct 1, 2007 · $3.0 million damage |
| High winds | 16 | Mar 2026 | Apr 6, 2021 · $5,000 damage |
| Excessive heat | 11 | Aug 2023 | — |
| Flooding | 8 | Sep 2016 | Sep 23, 2010 · $28 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 Steele forecast zone and Steele County; damage is as reported, not adjusted for inflation.
Which radars cover Ellendale?
The closest NEXRAD Doppler radar is KMPX (Minneapolis, MN), about 69 miles north. 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 Ellendale | View |
|---|---|---|---|
| KMPX Minneapolis, MN | 69 mi north | 5,500 ft | Good — most storms and steady rain or snow show clearly |
| KARX La Crosse, WI | 105 mi east | 10,400 ft | Limited — the beam overshoots the lowest part of storms |
| KDMX Des Moines, IA | 150 mi south | 18,100 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 Ellendale
Since 1950, NOAA has recorded 142 tornadoes within 25 miles of Ellendale, 29 of them EF2/F2 or stronger. Most came in June and May. The strongest was an F4 on April 30, 1967, which passed about 10 miles west of town and caused 6 deaths. The most recent was an EF0 on June 26, 2025, which passed about 18 miles south of town.
Hail: 285 reports of 1-inch or larger hail within 25 miles since 1955, 36 of them 2 inches or more; the largest was 3.25-inch hail on June 17, 2009.
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 Ellendale'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.
Ellendale radar FAQ
Where is the nearest weather radar to Ellendale, MN?
KMPX (Minneapolis, MN), about 69 miles north. KARX (La Crosse, WI) is 105 miles away and also covers the area.
Does radar show snow in Ellendale?
Yes. TALON colors snow blue, a rain–snow mix pink and freezing rain purple using NOAA's precipitation-type analysis. Over Ellendale the lowest scan from KMPX is about 5,500 ft up.
Is TALON's radar for Ellendale 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 Ellendale, follow it right away — see watch vs. warning.
Radar for nearby towns
- New Richland, MN radar 10 mi
- Blooming Prairie, MN radar 12 mi
- Albert Lea, MN radar 15 mi
- Owatonna, MN radar 16 mi
- Waseca, MN radar 18 mi
- Medford, MN radar 21 mi
- Austin, MN radar 21 mi
- Hayfield, MN radar 23 mi
- Wells, MN radar 23 mi
- Dodge Center, MN radar 25 mi