Lake Elmo, MN Live Doppler Radar
Live radar for Lake Elmo, Washington County: every NWS radar combined, rain, snow and ice colors, flash-flood risk, storm tracks and official warnings.
What weather hits Lake Elmo?
Since 1996, the National Weather Service has logged heavy snow or a winter storm on 98 days in the Washington forecast zone and Washington County — the most common reported hazard around Lake Elmo, mostly in March and December. Next come damaging thunderstorm winds (81 days) and extreme cold & wind chill (19 days).
| Hazard | Days reported | Most recent | Worst on record |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heavy snow & winter storms | 98 | Mar 2026 | — |
| Damaging thunderstorm winds | 81 | Aug 2025 | May 30, 1998 · $14 million damage |
| Extreme cold & wind chill | 19 | Jan 2026 | Dec 23, 2022 · 1 death |
| Excessive heat | 14 | Aug 2023 | — |
| Lightning casualties & damage | 10 | Aug 2021 | Jul 21, 2009 · 1 death |
| Flash flooding | 8 | Jul 2016 | — |
| High winds | 7 | Oct 2010 | — |
| Flooding | 5 | Oct 2005 | — |
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 Washington forecast zone and Washington County; damage is as reported, not adjusted for inflation.
How much snow does Lake Elmo get?
A normal year brings about 40 inches of snow to Lake Elmo, based on NOAA's 1991–2020 climate normals for the U Of Mn St Paul weather station 13.2 miles away. The snowiest month is usually February (12.3 in).
| Oct | Nov | Dec | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0.5 | 3.0 | 10.2 | 8.3 | 12.3 | 4.0 | 2.1 | 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 Lake Elmo?
The closest NEXRAD Doppler radar is KMPX (Minneapolis, MN), about 33 miles west-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 Lake Elmo | View |
|---|---|---|---|
| KMPX Minneapolis, MN | 33 mi west-southwest | 2,100 ft | Excellent — the lowest scan sees close to the ground |
| KARX La Crosse, WI | 117 mi southeast | 12,200 ft | Limited — the beam overshoots the lowest part of storms |
| KDLH Duluth, MN | 132 mi north-northeast | 14,800 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 Lake Elmo
Since 1950, NOAA has recorded 108 tornadoes within 25 miles of Lake Elmo, 22 of them EF2/F2 or stronger. Most came in July and May. The strongest was an F4 on May 6, 1965, which passed about 15 miles northwest of town and caused 6 deaths. The most recent was an EF2 on May 15, 2025, which passed about 21 miles east of town.
Hail: 812 reports of 1-inch or larger hail within 25 miles since 1955, 88 of them 2 inches or more; the largest was 4.50-inch hail on June 19, 1988.
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 Lake Elmo'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.
Lake Elmo radar FAQ
Where is the nearest weather radar to Lake Elmo, MN?
KMPX (Minneapolis, MN), about 33 miles west-southwest. KARX (La Crosse, WI) is 117 miles away and also covers the area.
Does radar show snow in Lake Elmo?
Yes. TALON colors snow blue, a rain–snow mix pink and freezing rain purple using NOAA's precipitation-type analysis. Over Lake Elmo the lowest scan from KMPX is about 2,100 ft up.
Is TALON's radar for Lake Elmo 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 Lake Elmo, follow it right away — see watch vs. warning.
Radar for nearby towns
- Oakdale, MN radar 3 mi
- North St. Paul, MN radar 5 mi
- Woodbury, MN radar 6 mi
- Mahtomedi, MN radar 6 mi
- Oak Park Heights, MN radar 6 mi
- Stillwater, MN radar 6 mi
- Maplewood, MN radar 6 mi
- Grant, MN radar 7 mi
- Bayport, MN radar 7 mi
- White Bear Lake, MN radar 7 mi