Winston, MT Live Doppler Radar
Live radar for Winston, Broadwater County: every NWS radar combined, rain, snow and ice colors, flash-flood risk, storm tracks and official warnings.
What weather hits Winston?
Since 1996, the National Weather Service has logged damaging thunderstorm winds on 34 days in the Canyon Ferry Area forecast zone and Broadwater County — the most common reported hazard around Winston, mostly in July and August. Next come high winds (7 days) and extreme cold & wind chill (3 days).
| Hazard | Days reported | Most recent | Worst on record |
|---|---|---|---|
| Damaging thunderstorm winds | 34 | May 2026 | — |
| High winds | 7 | May 2026 | — |
| Extreme cold & wind chill | 3 | Feb 2025 | — |
| Flooding | 3 | Jun 2018 | — |
| Heavy snow & winter storms | 2 | Jan 2024 | — |
| Flash flooding | 2 | Jun 2023 | Jun 10, 2023 · $100,000 damage |
| Ice storms & sleet | 1 | Dec 2025 | — |
| Lightning casualties & damage | 1 | May 2007 | May 18, 2007 · 1 death |
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 Canyon Ferry Area forecast zone and Broadwater County; damage is as reported, not adjusted for inflation.
Which radars cover Winston?
The closest NEXRAD Doppler radar is KTFX (Great Falls, MT), about 70 miles north. 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 Winston | View |
|---|---|---|---|
| KTFX Great Falls, MT | 70 mi north | 5,700 ft | Good — most storms and steady rain or snow show clearly |
| KMSX Missoula, MT | 117 mi west-northwest | 12,200 ft | Limited — the beam overshoots the lowest part of storms |
| KBLX Billings, MT | 152 mi east-southeast | 18,600 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 Winston
Since 1950, NOAA has recorded 4 tornadoes within 25 miles of Winston. Most came in June and July. The strongest was an F0 on July 22, 1960, which touched down about 18 miles west-northwest of town. The most recent was an F0 on June 27, 1997, which touched down about 19 miles west-northwest of town.
Hail: 75 reports of 1-inch or larger hail within 25 miles since 1955, 10 of them 2 inches or more; the largest was 3.00-inch hail on June 6, 1997.
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 Winston'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.
Winston radar FAQ
Where is the nearest weather radar to Winston, MT?
KTFX (Great Falls, MT), about 70 miles north. KMSX (Missoula, MT) is 117 miles away and also covers the area.
Can radar see a tornado near Winston?
Radar can't see the tornado itself, but it shows the rotating storm and, once debris is lofted, a debris signature. Over Winston the lowest scan from KTFX is about 5,700 ft up — good — most storms and steady rain or snow show clearly.
Is TALON's radar for Winston 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 Winston, follow it right away — see watch vs. warning.
Radar for nearby towns
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- Manhattan, MT radar 45 mi
- Whitehall, MT radar 46 mi
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