Pontiac, MO Live Doppler Radar
Live radar for Pontiac, Ozark County: every NWS radar combined, rain, snow and ice colors, flash-flood risk, storm tracks and official warnings.
What weather hits Pontiac?
Since 1996, the National Weather Service has logged damaging thunderstorm winds on 123 days in the Ozark forecast zone and Ozark County — the most common reported hazard around Pontiac, mostly in July and August. Next come flooding (102 days) and flash flooding (78 days).
| Hazard | Days reported | Most recent | Worst on record |
|---|---|---|---|
| Damaging thunderstorm winds | 123 | Apr 2025 | Sep 22, 2024 · 1 death · $10,000 damage |
| Flooding | 102 | Jun 2026 | May 8, 2002 · $10,000 damage |
| Flash flooding | 78 | Jun 2025 | Apr 23, 2011 · 1 death |
| Heavy snow & winter storms | 31 | Jan 2026 | Jan 1, 1999 · $125,000 damage |
| Excessive heat | 9 | Aug 2012 | Aug 1, 1999 · 2 deaths |
| Extreme cold & wind chill | 6 | Feb 2025 | — |
| Ice storms & sleet | 5 | Jan 2009 | — |
| High winds | 3 | Mar 2025 | Sep 14, 2008 · $15,000 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 Ozark forecast zone and Ozark County; damage is as reported, not adjusted for inflation.
Which radars cover Pontiac?
The closest NEXRAD Doppler radar is KSGF (Springfield, MO), about 66 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 Pontiac | View |
|---|---|---|---|
| KSGF Springfield, MO | 66 mi northwest | 5,200 ft | Good — most storms and steady rain or snow show clearly |
| KLZK Little Rock, AR | 118 mi south | 12,400 ft | Limited — the beam overshoots the lowest part of storms |
| KSRX Fort Smith, AR | 130 mi southwest | 14,400 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 Pontiac
Since 1950, NOAA has recorded 73 tornadoes within 25 miles of Pontiac, 18 of them EF2/F2 or stronger. Most came in May and April. The strongest was an F4 on April 2, 1982, which passed about 22 miles east of town and caused 2 deaths. The most recent was an EF3 on March 14, 2025, which passed about 21 miles east-southeast of town.
Hail: 303 reports of 1-inch or larger hail within 25 miles since 1955, 33 of them 2 inches or more; the largest was 4.50-inch hail on April 19, 2011.
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 Pontiac'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.
Pontiac radar FAQ
Where is the nearest weather radar to Pontiac, MO?
KSGF (Springfield, MO), about 66 miles northwest. KLZK (Little Rock, AR) is 118 miles away and also covers the area.
Does radar show snow in Pontiac?
Yes. TALON colors snow blue, a rain–snow mix pink and freezing rain purple using NOAA's precipitation-type analysis. Over Pontiac the lowest scan from KSGF is about 5,200 ft up.
Is TALON's radar for Pontiac 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 Pontiac, follow it right away — see watch vs. warning.
Radar for nearby towns
- Forsyth, MO radar 30 mi
- Ava, MO radar 30 mi
- Merriam Woods, MO radar 34 mi
- Hollister, MO radar 35 mi
- Branson, MO radar 39 mi
- Mansfield, MO radar 41 mi
- Sparta, MO radar 43 mi
- West Plains, MO radar 44 mi
- Seymour, MO radar 44 mi
- Reeds Spring, MO radar 46 mi