Rolla, MO Live Doppler Radar
Live radar for Rolla, Phelps County: every NWS radar combined, rain, snow and ice colors, flash-flood risk, storm tracks and official warnings.
What weather hits Rolla?
Since 1996, the National Weather Service has logged damaging thunderstorm winds on 95 days in the Phelps forecast zone and Phelps County — the most common reported hazard around Rolla, mostly in May and August. Next come flash flooding (55 days) and flooding (35 days).
| Hazard | Days reported | Most recent | Worst on record |
|---|---|---|---|
| Damaging thunderstorm winds | 95 | Apr 2026 | Aug 4, 2022 · $100,000 damage |
| Flash flooding | 55 | Jun 2026 | Dec 26, 2015 · $2.5 million damage |
| Flooding | 35 | Mar 2026 | Nov 5, 2024 · $2.0 million damage |
| Heavy snow & winter storms | 28 | Jan 2026 | Nov 30, 2006 · $300,000 damage |
| Ice storms & sleet | 9 | Jan 2017 | Jan 12, 2007 · $5.0 million damage |
| Excessive heat | 9 | Aug 2012 | — |
| Extreme cold & wind chill | 7 | Feb 2025 | — |
| Lightning casualties & damage | 5 | May 2016 | Sep 8, 2001 · $150,000 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 Phelps forecast zone and Phelps County; damage is as reported, not adjusted for inflation.
How much snow does Rolla get?
A normal year brings about 17 inches of snow to Rolla, based on NOAA's 1991–2020 climate normals for the Rolla Missouri S&T weather station 1.1 miles away. The snowiest month is usually January (5.6 in).
| Oct | Nov | Dec | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0.1 | 1.3 | 3.4 | 5.6 | 4.1 | 2.6 | 0.2 | 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 Rolla?
The closest NEXRAD Doppler radar is KLSX (St. Louis, MO), about 78 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 Rolla | View |
|---|---|---|---|
| KLSX St. Louis, MO | 78 mi northeast | 6,700 ft | Fair — the beam can pass over shallow snow and low-level rotation |
| KSGF Springfield, MO | 102 mi west-southwest | 9,900 ft | Fair — the beam can pass over shallow snow and low-level rotation |
| KEAX Kansas City, MO | 148 mi west-northwest | 17,800 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 Rolla
Since 1950, NOAA has recorded 78 tornadoes within 25 miles of Rolla, 22 of them EF2/F2 or stronger. Most came in May and April. The strongest was an EF3 on December 31, 2010, which crossed near town and caused 2 deaths. The most recent was an EF0 on May 19, 2025, which touched down about 18 miles south-southeast of town.
Hail: 329 reports of 1-inch or larger hail within 25 miles since 1955, 23 of them 2 inches or more; the largest was 4.50-inch hail on May 30, 2004.
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 Rolla'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.
Rolla radar FAQ
Where is the nearest weather radar to Rolla, MO?
KLSX (St. Louis, MO), about 78 miles northeast. KSGF (Springfield, MO) is 102 miles away and also covers the area.
Does radar show snow in Rolla?
Yes. TALON colors snow blue, a rain–snow mix pink and freezing rain purple using NOAA's precipitation-type analysis. Over Rolla the lowest scan from KLSX is about 6,700 ft up, so light snow from shallow clouds can be under-shown — check NWS winter alerts too.
Is TALON's radar for Rolla 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 Rolla, follow it right away — see watch vs. warning.
Radar for nearby towns
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- Salem, MO radar 25 mi
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