Prairie Elk Colony, MT Live Doppler Radar
Live radar for Prairie Elk Colony, McCone County: every NWS radar combined, rain, snow and ice colors, flash-flood risk, storm tracks and official warnings.
What weather hits Prairie Elk Colony?
Since 1996, the National Weather Service has logged damaging thunderstorm winds on 109 days in the McCone forecast zone and McCone County — the most common reported hazard around Prairie Elk Colony, mostly in July and June. Next come high winds (77 days) and heavy snow & winter storms (51 days).
| Hazard | Days reported | Most recent | Worst on record |
|---|---|---|---|
| Damaging thunderstorm winds | 109 | Apr 2026 | Jul 20, 2001 · $2.1 million damage |
| High winds | 77 | May 2026 | Apr 9, 2005 · $150,000 damage |
| Heavy snow & winter storms | 51 | Dec 2025 | — |
| Extreme cold & wind chill | 29 | Feb 2025 | — |
| Blizzards | 14 | Apr 2026 | Jan 24, 2010 · $2,000 damage |
| Flash flooding | 13 | Jul 2019 | Jun 6, 2005 · $172,000 damage |
| Flooding | 9 | Mar 2019 | — |
| Ice storms & sleet | 5 | Jan 2011 | Jan 19, 2010 · $2,000 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 McCone forecast zone and McCone County; damage is as reported, not adjusted for inflation.
Which radars cover Prairie Elk Colony?
The closest NEXRAD Doppler radar is KGGW (Glasgow, MT), about 40 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 Prairie Elk Colony | View |
|---|---|---|---|
| KGGW Glasgow, MT | 40 mi west-northwest | 2,700 ft | Excellent — the lowest scan sees close to the ground |
| KBLX Billings, MT | 200 mi southwest | 29,100 ft | Limited — the beam overshoots the lowest part of storms |
| KMBX Minot AFB, ND | 229 mi east | 36,700 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 Prairie Elk Colony
Since 1950, NOAA has recorded 14 tornadoes within 25 miles of Prairie Elk Colony, 3 of them EF2/F2 or stronger. Most came in July and August. The strongest was an EF2 on July 15, 2013, which passed about 25 miles north-northeast of town.
Hail: 143 reports of 1-inch or larger hail within 25 miles since 1955, 16 of them 2 inches or more; the largest was 4.50-inch hail on July 20, 2001.
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 Prairie Elk Colony'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.
Prairie Elk Colony radar FAQ
Where is the nearest weather radar to Prairie Elk Colony, MT?
KGGW (Glasgow, MT), about 40 miles west-northwest. KBLX (Billings, MT) is 200 miles away and also covers the area.
Does radar show snow in Prairie Elk Colony?
Yes. TALON colors snow blue, a rain–snow mix pink and freezing rain purple using NOAA's precipitation-type analysis. Over Prairie Elk Colony the lowest scan from KGGW is about 2,700 ft up.
Is TALON's radar for Prairie Elk Colony 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 Prairie Elk Colony, follow it right away — see watch vs. warning.
Radar for nearby towns
- Wolf Point, MT radar 9 mi
- Glasgow, MT radar 41 mi