Watson, MO Live Doppler Radar
Live radar for Watson, Atchison County: every NWS radar combined, rain, snow and ice colors, flash-flood risk, storm tracks and official warnings.
What weather hits Watson?
Since 1996, the National Weather Service has logged damaging thunderstorm winds on 60 days in the Atchison forecast zone and Atchison County — the most common reported hazard around Watson, mostly in June and August. Next come flooding (36 days) and heavy snow & winter storms (30 days).
| Hazard | Days reported | Most recent | Worst on record |
|---|---|---|---|
| Damaging thunderstorm winds | 60 | May 2026 | May 15, 1998 · $50,000 damage |
| Flooding | 36 | Jun 2019 | May 6, 2007 · $6.0 million damage |
| Heavy snow & winter storms | 30 | Feb 2025 | Apr 10, 1997 · $100,000 damage |
| Excessive heat | 15 | Aug 2023 | — |
| Extreme cold & wind chill | 10 | Feb 2025 | — |
| Flash flooding | 10 | May 2016 | — |
| Ice storms & sleet | 6 | Jan 2017 | Dec 10, 2007 · $100,000 damage |
| High winds | 4 | 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 Atchison forecast zone and Atchison County; damage is as reported, not adjusted for inflation.
How much snow does Watson get?
A normal year brings about 30 inches of snow to Watson, based on NOAA's 1991–2020 climate normals for the Auburn 5 Ese weather station 10 miles away. The snowiest month is usually February (8.1 in).
| Oct | Nov | Dec | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0.6 | 2.3 | 6.4 | 7.7 | 8.1 | 3.6 | 1.6 | 0.1 |
Normal snowfall in inches. TALON Pro compares this season's snow at your location with these normals as winter goes on.
Which radars cover Watson?
The closest NEXRAD Doppler radar is KOAX (Omaha, NE), about 70 miles north-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 Watson | View |
|---|---|---|---|
| KOAX Omaha, NE | 70 mi north-northwest | 5,700 ft | Good — most storms and steady rain or snow show clearly |
| KTWX Topeka, KS | 107 mi south-southwest | 10,700 ft | Limited — the beam overshoots the lowest part of storms |
| KDMX Des Moines, IA | 131 mi northeast | 14,700 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 Watson
Since 1950, NOAA has recorded 105 tornadoes within 25 miles of Watson, 31 of them EF2/F2 or stronger. Most came in April and June. The strongest was an F4 on April 12, 1964, which passed about 24 miles east-northeast of town and caused 1 death. The most recent was an EF0 on August 10, 2025, which touched down about 22 miles west-northwest of town.
Hail: 376 reports of 1-inch or larger hail within 25 miles since 1955, 40 of them 2 inches or more; the largest was 4.50-inch hail on July 29, 1992.
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 Watson'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.
Watson radar FAQ
Where is the nearest weather radar to Watson, MO?
KOAX (Omaha, NE), about 70 miles north-northwest. KTWX (Topeka, KS) is 107 miles away and also covers the area.
Does radar show snow in Watson?
Yes. TALON colors snow blue, a rain–snow mix pink and freezing rain purple using NOAA's precipitation-type analysis. Over Watson the lowest scan from KOAX is about 5,700 ft up.
Is TALON's radar for Watson 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 Watson, follow it right away — see watch vs. warning.
Radar for nearby towns
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- Mound City, MO radar 31 mi
- Maryville, MO radar 41 mi
- Savannah, MO radar 56 mi
- Stanberry, MO radar 60 mi
- Country Club, MO radar 61 mi