Okolona, MS Live Doppler Radar
Live radar for Okolona, Chickasaw County: every NWS radar combined, rain, snow and ice colors, flash-flood risk, storm tracks and official warnings.
What weather hits Okolona?
Since 1996, the National Weather Service has logged dangerous heat on 97 days in the Chickasaw forecast zone and Chickasaw County — the most common reported hazard around Okolona, mostly in July and August. Next come damaging thunderstorm winds (90 days) and flash flooding (11 days).
| Hazard | Days reported | Most recent | Worst on record |
|---|---|---|---|
| Excessive heat | 97 | Jun 2026 | — |
| Damaging thunderstorm winds | 90 | Mar 2026 | Aug 6, 2023 · 2 deaths |
| Flash flooding | 11 | Mar 2025 | Jun 9, 2021 · $100,000 damage |
| Heavy snow & winter storms | 10 | Jan 2025 | Feb 1, 1996 · $20,000 damage |
| Extreme cold & wind chill | 6 | Feb 2026 | — |
| High winds | 3 | Mar 2023 | Feb 26, 2000 · $10,000 damage |
| Hurricanes & tropical storms | 3 | Aug 2005 | Aug 29, 2005 · $15,000 damage |
| Flooding | 3 | Feb 2020 | Feb 11, 2020 · $25,000 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 Chickasaw forecast zone and Chickasaw County; damage is as reported, not adjusted for inflation.
Which radars cover Okolona?
The closest NEXRAD Doppler radar is KGWX (Columbus AFB, MS), about 25 miles east-southeast. 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 Okolona | View |
|---|---|---|---|
| KGWX Columbus AFB, MS | 25 mi east-southeast | 1,500 ft | Excellent — the lowest scan sees close to the ground |
| KNQA Memphis, TN | 113 mi northwest | 11,500 ft | Limited — the beam overshoots the lowest part of storms |
| KBMX Birmingham, AL | 128 mi east-southeast | 14,000 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 Okolona
Since 1950, NOAA has recorded 116 tornadoes within 25 miles of Okolona, 36 of them EF2/F2 or stronger. Most came in April and March. The strongest was an EF5 on April 27, 2011, which passed about 18 miles east of town and caused 23 deaths. The most recent was an EF1 on June 7, 2025, which passed about 18 miles west of town.
Hail: 227 reports of 1-inch or larger hail within 25 miles since 1955, 16 of them 2 inches or more; the largest was 3.00-inch hail on March 2, 2012.
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 Okolona'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.
Okolona radar FAQ
Where is the nearest weather radar to Okolona, MS?
KGWX (Columbus AFB, MS), about 25 miles east-southeast. KNQA (Memphis, TN) is 113 miles away and also covers the area.
Does radar show snow in Okolona?
Yes. TALON colors snow blue, a rain–snow mix pink and freezing rain purple using NOAA's precipitation-type analysis. Over Okolona the lowest scan from KGWX is about 1,500 ft up.
Is TALON's radar for Okolona 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 Okolona, follow it right away — see watch vs. warning.
Radar for nearby towns
- Shannon, MS radar 8 mi
- Nettleton, MS radar 9 mi
- Verona, MS radar 13 mi
- Amory, MS radar 15 mi
- Houston, MS radar 16 mi
- Aberdeen, MS radar 16 mi
- Tupelo, MS radar 18 mi
- Pontotoc, MS radar 23 mi
- Mantachie, MS radar 26 mi
- Vardaman, MS radar 26 mi