Surprise Creek Colony, MT Live Doppler Radar
Live radar for Surprise Creek Colony, Judith Basin County: every NWS radar combined, rain, snow and ice colors, flash-flood risk, storm tracks and official warnings.
What weather hits Surprise Creek Colony?
Since 1996, the National Weather Service has logged high winds on 48 days in the Judith Basin County and Judith Gap forecast zone and Judith Basin County — the most common reported hazard around Surprise Creek Colony, mostly in February and December. Next come damaging thunderstorm winds (45 days) and heavy snow & winter storms (14 days).
| Hazard | Days reported | Most recent | Worst on record |
|---|---|---|---|
| High winds | 48 | May 2026 | — |
| Damaging thunderstorm winds | 45 | Jun 2026 | — |
| Heavy snow & winter storms | 14 | Dec 2025 | — |
| Extreme cold & wind chill | 5 | Feb 2025 | — |
| Flooding | 5 | Jul 2019 | May 19, 2011 · $50,000 damage |
| Wildfires | 4 | Sep 2001 | — |
| Blizzards | 2 | Mar 2026 | — |
| Ice storms & sleet | 1 | Jan 2023 | — |
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 Judith Basin County and Judith Gap forecast zone and Judith Basin County; damage is as reported, not adjusted for inflation.
Which radars cover Surprise Creek Colony?
The closest NEXRAD Doppler radar is KTFX (Great Falls, MT), about 53 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 Surprise Creek Colony | View |
|---|---|---|---|
| KTFX Great Falls, MT | 53 mi west-northwest | 3,800 ft | Good — most storms and steady rain or snow show clearly |
| KBLX Billings, MT | 123 mi southeast | 13,200 ft | Limited — the beam overshoots the lowest part of storms |
| KMSX Missoula, MT | 172 mi west | 22,700 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 Surprise Creek Colony
Since 1950, NOAA has recorded 15 tornadoes within 25 miles of Surprise Creek Colony, 3 of them EF2/F2 or stronger. Most came in July and June. The strongest was an F2 on April 24, 1994, which touched down about 4 miles southeast of town. The most recent was an EF0 on July 6, 2022, which touched down about 6 miles south-southeast of town.
Hail: 123 reports of 1-inch or larger hail within 25 miles since 1955, 15 of them 2 inches or more; the largest was 4.00-inch hail on August 5, 2002.
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 Surprise Creek 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.
Surprise Creek Colony radar FAQ
Where is the nearest weather radar to Surprise Creek Colony, MT?
KTFX (Great Falls, MT), about 53 miles west-northwest. KBLX (Billings, MT) is 123 miles away and also covers the area.
Does radar show snow in Surprise Creek Colony?
Yes. TALON colors snow blue, a rain–snow mix pink and freezing rain purple using NOAA's precipitation-type analysis. Over Surprise Creek Colony the lowest scan from KTFX is about 3,800 ft up.
Is TALON's radar for Surprise Creek 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 Surprise Creek Colony, follow it right away — see watch vs. warning.
Radar for nearby towns
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