Center, MO Live Doppler Radar
Live radar for Center, Ralls County: every NWS radar combined, rain, snow and ice colors, flash-flood risk, storm tracks and official warnings.
What weather hits Center?
Since 1996, the National Weather Service has logged damaging thunderstorm winds on 64 days in the Ralls forecast zone and Ralls County — the most common reported hazard around Center, mostly in June and July. Next come heavy snow & winter storms (46 days) and excessive heat (42 days).
| Hazard | Days reported | Most recent | Worst on record |
|---|---|---|---|
| Damaging thunderstorm winds | 64 | Jul 2025 | Jul 9, 2021 · $1.3 million damage |
| Heavy snow & winter storms | 46 | Nov 2025 | — |
| Excessive heat | 42 | Aug 2023 | — |
| Flash flooding | 17 | Jun 2021 | — |
| Flooding | 15 | Jun 2025 | Jul 29, 2008 · $10 million damage |
| Ice storms & sleet | 6 | Jan 2017 | — |
| High winds | 5 | Mar 2002 | — |
| Extreme cold & wind chill | 4 | Jan 2024 | — |
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 Ralls forecast zone and Ralls County; damage is as reported, not adjusted for inflation.
Which radars cover Center?
The closest NEXRAD Doppler radar is KLSX (St. Louis, MO), about 72 miles 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 Center | View |
|---|---|---|---|
| KLSX St. Louis, MO | 72 mi southeast | 5,900 ft | Good — most storms and steady rain or snow show clearly |
| KILX Lincoln, IL | 124 mi east-northeast | 13,500 ft | Limited — the beam overshoots the lowest part of storms |
| KDVN Quad Cities, IA | 154 mi north-northeast | 18,900 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 Center
Since 1950, NOAA has recorded 63 tornadoes within 25 miles of Center, 9 of them EF2/F2 or stronger. Most came in June and April. The strongest was an F4 on March 12, 2006, which passed about 14 miles northwest of town. The most recent was an EF1 on April 20, 2025, which touched down about 21 miles southwest of town.
Hail: 176 reports of 1-inch or larger hail within 25 miles since 1955, 11 of them 2 inches or more; the largest was 4.50-inch hail on April 14, 2002.
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 Center'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.
Center radar FAQ
Where is the nearest weather radar to Center, MO?
KLSX (St. Louis, MO), about 72 miles southeast. KILX (Lincoln, IL) is 124 miles away and also covers the area.
Does radar show snow in Center?
Yes. TALON colors snow blue, a rain–snow mix pink and freezing rain purple using NOAA's precipitation-type analysis. Over Center the lowest scan from KLSX is about 5,900 ft up.
Is TALON's radar for Center 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 Center, follow it right away — see watch vs. warning.
Radar for nearby towns
- Vandalia, MO radar 14 mi
- Monroe City, MO radar 15 mi
- Hannibal, MO radar 16 mi
- Palmyra, MO radar 20 mi
- Bowling Green, MO radar 21 mi
- Louisiana, MO radar 25 mi
- Paris, MO radar 26 mi
- Shelbina, MO radar 30 mi
- Mexico, MO radar 30 mi
- Wellsville, MO radar 30 mi