Helmville, MT Live Doppler Radar
Live radar for Helmville, Powell County: every NWS radar combined, rain, snow and ice colors, flash-flood risk, storm tracks and official warnings.
What weather hits Helmville?
Since 1996, the National Weather Service has logged heavy snow or a winter storm on 163 days in the Butte/Blackfoot Region forecast zone and Powell County — the most common reported hazard around Helmville, mostly in February and November. Next come high winds (42 days) and extreme cold & wind chill (28 days).
| Hazard | Days reported | Most recent | Worst on record |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heavy snow & winter storms | 163 | Mar 2026 | Nov 24, 2015 · 1 death · $15,000 damage |
| High winds | 42 | Dec 2025 | Nov 12, 2007 · $650,000 damage |
| Extreme cold & wind chill | 28 | Feb 2025 | — |
| Damaging thunderstorm winds | 17 | Sep 2025 | May 6, 2017 · 1 death |
| Flooding | 13 | Jun 2018 | Jun 19, 2018 · $70,000 damage |
| Blizzards | 4 | Apr 2008 | — |
| Avalanches | 4 | Feb 2025 | Jan 6, 2012 · 1 death · $500 damage |
| Flash flooding | 2 | Aug 2014 | Aug 15, 2014 · $500 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 Butte/Blackfoot Region forecast zone and Powell County; damage is as reported, not adjusted for inflation.
Which radars cover Helmville?
The closest NEXRAD Doppler radar is KMSX (Missoula, MT), about 50 miles west-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 Helmville | View |
|---|---|---|---|
| KMSX Missoula, MT | 50 mi west-northwest | 3,500 ft | Good — most storms and steady rain or snow show clearly |
| KTFX Great Falls, MT | 85 mi east-northeast | 7,600 ft | Fair — the beam can pass over shallow snow and low-level rotation |
| KBLX Billings, MT | 219 mi east-southeast | 34,100 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 Helmville
Since 1950, NOAA has recorded 1 tornado within 25 miles of Helmville. The strongest was an F0 on May 4, 1971, which touched down about 14 miles south of town.
Hail: 31 reports of 1-inch or larger hail within 25 miles since 1955, 2 of them 2 inches or more; the largest was 2.00-inch hail on July 21, 2021.
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 Helmville'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.
Helmville radar FAQ
Where is the nearest weather radar to Helmville, MT?
KMSX (Missoula, MT), about 50 miles west-northwest. KTFX (Great Falls, MT) is 85 miles away and also covers the area.
Does radar show snow in Helmville?
Yes. TALON colors snow blue, a rain–snow mix pink and freezing rain purple using NOAA's precipitation-type analysis. Over Helmville the lowest scan from KMSX is about 3,500 ft up.
Is TALON's radar for Helmville 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 Helmville, follow it right away — see watch vs. warning.
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