Mississippi State, MS Live Doppler Radar
Live radar for Mississippi State, Oktibbeha County: every NWS radar combined, rain, snow and ice colors, flash-flood risk, storm tracks and official warnings.
What weather hits Mississippi State?
Since 1996, the National Weather Service has logged damaging thunderstorm winds on 143 days in the Oktibbeha forecast zone and Oktibbeha County — the most common reported hazard around Mississippi State, mostly in June and July. Next come flash flooding (36 days) and heavy snow & winter storms (12 days).
| Hazard | Days reported | Most recent | Worst on record |
|---|---|---|---|
| Damaging thunderstorm winds | 143 | Mar 2026 | Feb 16, 2001 · $10 million damage |
| Flash flooding | 36 | Jun 2025 | Apr 20, 2011 · $700,000 damage |
| Heavy snow & winter storms | 12 | Jan 2025 | Feb 9, 2011 · $650,000 damage |
| Ice storms & sleet | 8 | Jan 2026 | Dec 23, 1998 · $800,000 damage |
| Excessive heat | 5 | Aug 2010 | — |
| Hurricanes & tropical storms | 4 | Aug 2005 | Aug 29, 2005 · $115 million damage |
| Lightning casualties & damage | 4 | Dec 2021 | Jul 5, 2012 · $150,000 damage |
| Flooding | 4 | Mar 2024 | Oct 12, 2009 · $100,000 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 Oktibbeha forecast zone and Oktibbeha County; damage is as reported, not adjusted for inflation.
Which radars cover Mississippi State?
The closest NEXRAD Doppler radar is KGWX (Columbus AFB, MS), about 41 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 Mississippi State | View |
|---|---|---|---|
| KGWX Columbus AFB, MS | 41 mi northeast | 2,700 ft | Excellent — the lowest scan sees close to the ground |
| KDGX Jackson, MS | 106 mi southwest | 10,600 ft | Limited — the beam overshoots the lowest part of storms |
| KBMX Birmingham, AL | 118 mi east | 12,500 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 Mississippi State
Since 1950, NOAA has recorded 126 tornadoes within 25 miles of Mississippi State, 45 of them EF2/F2 or stronger. Most came in April and November. The strongest was an F4 on November 21, 1992, which passed about 22 miles west of town and caused 12 deaths. The most recent was an EF0 on March 31, 2025, which touched down about 21 miles east-northeast of town.
Hail: 194 reports of 1-inch or larger hail within 25 miles since 1955, 15 of them 2 inches or more; the largest was 4.88-inch hail on June 14, 2023.
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 Mississippi State'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.
Mississippi State radar FAQ
Where is the nearest weather radar to Mississippi State, MS?
KGWX (Columbus AFB, MS), about 41 miles northeast. KDGX (Jackson, MS) is 106 miles away and also covers the area.
Does radar show snow in Mississippi State?
Yes. TALON colors snow blue, a rain–snow mix pink and freezing rain purple using NOAA's precipitation-type analysis. Over Mississippi State the lowest scan from KGWX is about 2,700 ft up.
Is TALON's radar for Mississippi State 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 Mississippi State, follow it right away — see watch vs. warning.
Radar for nearby towns
- Starkville, MS radar 2 mi
- West Point, MS radar 13 mi
- Columbus, MS radar 23 mi
- Ackerman, MS radar 24 mi
- Macon, MS radar 26 mi
- Louisville, MS radar 27 mi
- Eupora, MS radar 29 mi
- Aberdeen, MS radar 29 mi
- Caledonia, MS radar 31 mi
- Houston, MS radar 33 mi