Plains, MT Live Doppler Radar
Live radar for Plains, Sanders County: every NWS radar combined, rain, snow and ice colors, flash-flood risk, storm tracks and official warnings.
What weather hits Plains?
Since 1996, the National Weather Service has logged heavy snow or a winter storm on 266 days in the Lower Clark Fork Region forecast zone and Sanders County — the most common reported hazard around Plains, mostly in December and January. Next come high winds (18 days) and damaging thunderstorm winds (17 days).
| Hazard | Days reported | Most recent | Worst on record |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heavy snow & winter storms | 266 | Mar 2026 | Sep 13, 2017 · 1 death · $1,000 damage |
| High winds | 18 | Mar 2026 | Feb 22, 2012 · $214,000 damage |
| Damaging thunderstorm winds | 17 | Sep 2024 | Jul 17, 2007 · $30,000 damage |
| Extreme cold & wind chill | 12 | Feb 2025 | Jan 28, 1996 · 1 death |
| Flooding | 10 | Dec 2025 | Feb 7, 1996 · $700,000 damage |
| Excessive heat | 4 | Jul 2024 | — |
| Wildfires | 3 | Aug 2015 | Aug 28, 2015 · $10,000 damage |
| Ice storms & sleet | 3 | Dec 2023 | Dec 16, 2023 · 2 deaths · $70,000 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 Lower Clark Fork Region forecast zone and Sanders County; damage is as reported, not adjusted for inflation.
Which radars cover Plains?
The closest NEXRAD Doppler radar is KMSX (Missoula, MT), about 51 miles 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 Plains | View |
|---|---|---|---|
| KMSX Missoula, MT | 51 mi southeast | 3,700 ft | Good — most storms and steady rain or snow show clearly |
| KOTX Spokane, WA | 129 mi west | 14,200 ft | Limited — the beam overshoots the lowest part of storms |
| KTFX Great Falls, MT | 163 mi east | 20,900 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 Plains
NOAA has no tornado on record within 25 miles of Plains since 1950.
Hail: 18 reports of 1-inch or larger hail within 25 miles since 1955; the largest was 1.75-inch hail on August 10, 2019.
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 Plains'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.
Plains radar FAQ
Where is the nearest weather radar to Plains, MT?
KMSX (Missoula, MT), about 51 miles southeast. KOTX (Spokane, WA) is 129 miles away and also covers the area.
Does radar show snow in Plains?
Yes. TALON colors snow blue, a rain–snow mix pink and freezing rain purple using NOAA's precipitation-type analysis. Over Plains the lowest scan from KMSX is about 3,700 ft up.
Is TALON's radar for Plains 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 Plains, follow it right away — see watch vs. warning.
Radar for nearby towns
- Thompson Falls, MT radar 23 mi
- Ronan, MT radar 37 mi
- Polson, MT radar 38 mi
- Missoula, MT radar 57 mi
- Kalispell, MT radar 58 mi