Lancaster, MO Live Doppler Radar
Live radar for Lancaster, Schuyler County: every NWS radar combined, rain, snow and ice colors, flash-flood risk, storm tracks and official warnings.
What weather hits Lancaster?
Since 1996, the National Weather Service has logged heavy snow or a winter storm on 33 days in the Schuyler forecast zone and Schuyler County — the most common reported hazard around Lancaster, mostly in February and January. Next come damaging thunderstorm winds (22 days) and excessive heat (14 days).
| Hazard | Days reported | Most recent | Worst on record |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heavy snow & winter storms | 33 | Nov 2025 | Apr 10, 1997 · $2.3 million damage |
| Damaging thunderstorm winds | 22 | Jun 2025 | Aug 1, 2004 · $50,000 damage |
| Excessive heat | 14 | Aug 2023 | — |
| Flash flooding | 12 | Jul 2015 | May 12, 2010 · 1 death |
| Extreme cold & wind chill | 11 | Feb 2025 | — |
| Ice storms & sleet | 7 | Feb 2019 | Dec 10, 2007 · $5,000 damage |
| Blizzards | 3 | Nov 2018 | — |
| High winds | 1 | Dec 2021 | — |
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 Schuyler forecast zone and Schuyler County; damage is as reported, not adjusted for inflation.
How much snow does Lancaster get?
A normal year brings about 23 inches of snow to Lancaster, based on NOAA's 1991–2020 climate normals for the Downing weather station 8.8 miles away. The snowiest month is usually February (7.0 in).
| Oct | Nov | Dec | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0.1 | 0.6 | 5.5 | 5.5 | 7.0 | 3.0 | 0.9 | 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 Lancaster?
The closest NEXRAD Doppler radar is KDMX (Des Moines, IA), about 104 miles 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 Lancaster | View |
|---|---|---|---|
| KDMX Des Moines, IA | 104 mi northwest | 10,200 ft | Limited — the beam overshoots the lowest part of storms |
| KDVN Quad Cities, IA | 126 mi northeast | 13,800 ft | Limited — the beam overshoots the lowest part of storms |
| KEAX Kansas City, MO | 150 mi southwest | 18,200 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 Lancaster
Since 1950, NOAA has recorded 61 tornadoes within 25 miles of Lancaster, 18 of them EF2/F2 or stronger. Most came in May and June. The strongest was an F4 on January 24, 1967, which passed about 6 miles southeast of town. The most recent was an EF0 on November 5, 2024, which touched down about 21 miles north-northeast of town.
Hail: 253 reports of 1-inch or larger hail within 25 miles since 1955, 33 of them 2 inches or more; the largest was 3.00-inch hail on June 17, 2017.
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 Lancaster'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.
Lancaster radar FAQ
Where is the nearest weather radar to Lancaster, MO?
KDMX (Des Moines, IA), about 104 miles northwest. KDVN (Quad Cities, IA) is 126 miles away and also covers the area.
Does radar show snow in Lancaster?
Yes. TALON colors snow blue, a rain–snow mix pink and freezing rain purple using NOAA's precipitation-type analysis. Over Lancaster the lowest scan from KDMX is about 10,200 ft up, so light snow from shallow clouds can be under-shown — check NWS winter alerts too.
Is TALON's radar for Lancaster 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 Lancaster, follow it right away — see watch vs. warning.
Radar for nearby towns
- Memphis, MO radar 20 mi
- Kirksville, MO radar 23 mi
- Unionville, MO radar 25 mi
- Edina, MO radar 31 mi
- La Plata, MO radar 35 mi
- Milan, MO radar 38 mi
- Kahoka, MO radar 43 mi
- Macon, MO radar 54 mi
- Brookfield, MO radar 59 mi
- Canton, MO radar 60 mi