Rutledge, MN Live Doppler Radar
Live radar for Rutledge, Pine County: every NWS radar combined, rain, snow and ice colors, flash-flood risk, storm tracks and official warnings.
What weather hits Rutledge?
Since 1996, the National Weather Service has logged heavy snow or a winter storm on 88 days in the Pine forecast zone and Pine County — the most common reported hazard around Rutledge, mostly in December and March. Next come damaging thunderstorm winds (58 days) and extreme cold & wind chill (21 days).
| Hazard | Days reported | Most recent | Worst on record |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heavy snow & winter storms | 88 | Apr 2026 | Dec 31, 2006 · 1 death |
| Damaging thunderstorm winds | 58 | Jun 2026 | Jul 1, 2011 · $500,000 damage |
| Extreme cold & wind chill | 21 | Jan 2026 | — |
| Flash flooding | 10 | Sep 2019 | — |
| Ice storms & sleet | 5 | Apr 2023 | — |
| Flooding | 4 | Oct 2017 | Apr 6, 2001 · $1.4 million damage |
| Excessive heat | 2 | Jul 2016 | — |
| Lightning casualties & damage | 2 | Aug 2020 | Aug 26, 2013 · 1 death |
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 Pine forecast zone and Pine County; damage is as reported, not adjusted for inflation.
Which radars cover Rutledge?
The closest NEXRAD Doppler radar is KDLH (Duluth, MN), about 51 miles northeast. 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 Rutledge | View |
|---|---|---|---|
| KDLH Duluth, MN | 51 mi northeast | 3,700 ft | Good — most storms and steady rain or snow show clearly |
| KMPX Minneapolis, MN | 103 mi south-southwest | 10,000 ft | Limited — the beam overshoots the lowest part of storms |
| KARX La Crosse, WI | 187 mi south-southeast | 26,200 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 Rutledge
Since 1950, NOAA has recorded 20 tornadoes within 25 miles of Rutledge, 4 of them EF2/F2 or stronger. Most came in June and July. The strongest was an F3 on June 30, 1968, which touched down about 10 miles west-southwest of town. The most recent was an EF1 on July 11, 2022, which passed about 23 miles east-northeast of town.
Hail: 124 reports of 1-inch or larger hail within 25 miles since 1955, 12 of them 2 inches or more; the largest was 5.00-inch hail on June 13, 1956.
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 Rutledge'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.
Rutledge radar FAQ
Where is the nearest weather radar to Rutledge, MN?
KDLH (Duluth, MN), about 51 miles northeast. KMPX (Minneapolis, MN) is 103 miles away and also covers the area.
Does radar show snow in Rutledge?
Yes. TALON colors snow blue, a rain–snow mix pink and freezing rain purple using NOAA's precipitation-type analysis. Over Rutledge the lowest scan from KDLH is about 3,700 ft up.
Is TALON's radar for Rutledge 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 Rutledge, follow it right away — see watch vs. warning.
Radar for nearby towns
- Sandstone, MN radar 9 mi
- Moose Lake, MN radar 15 mi
- Hinckley, MN radar 17 mi
- Pine City, MN radar 29 mi
- Mora, MN radar 33 mi
- Rock Creek, MN radar 34 mi
- Cloquet, MN radar 37 mi
- Braham, MN radar 39 mi
- Rush City, MN radar 40 mi
- Aitkin, MN radar 44 mi