Zortman, MT Live Doppler Radar
Live radar for Zortman, Phillips County: every NWS radar combined, rain, snow and ice colors, flash-flood risk, storm tracks and official warnings.
What weather hits Zortman?
Since 1996, the National Weather Service has logged high winds on 140 days in the Southwest Phillips forecast zone and Phillips County — the most common reported hazard around Zortman, mostly in January and December. Next come damaging thunderstorm winds (112 days) and heavy snow & winter storms (55 days).
| Hazard | Days reported | Most recent | Worst on record |
|---|---|---|---|
| High winds | 140 | Apr 2026 | Apr 9, 2005 · $41,000 damage |
| Damaging thunderstorm winds | 112 | May 2026 | Jul 4, 2015 · $80,000 damage |
| Heavy snow & winter storms | 55 | Mar 2026 | — |
| Flooding | 33 | Apr 2023 | May 23, 2008 · $1,000 damage |
| Flash flooding | 12 | Aug 2014 | Jul 3, 1998 · $15,000 damage |
| Blizzards | 11 | Feb 2023 | May 9, 2016 · $160,000 damage |
| Extreme cold & wind chill | 11 | Jan 2024 | — |
| Wildfires | 3 | Jul 2017 | — |
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 Southwest Phillips forecast zone and Phillips County; damage is as reported, not adjusted for inflation.
Which radars cover Zortman?
The closest NEXRAD Doppler radar is KGGW (Glasgow, MT), about 89 miles east-northeast. 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 Zortman | View |
|---|---|---|---|
| KGGW Glasgow, MT | 89 mi east-northeast | 8,100 ft | Fair — the beam can pass over shallow snow and low-level rotation |
| KTFX Great Falls, MT | 137 mi west-southwest | 15,800 ft | Limited — the beam overshoots the lowest part of storms |
| KBLX Billings, MT | 143 mi south | 16,700 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 Zortman
Since 1950, NOAA has recorded 4 tornadoes within 25 miles of Zortman. Most came in July and August. The strongest was an EF0 on June 27, 2019, which touched down about 5 miles southeast of town. The most recent was a tornado of unknown strength on July 6, 2021, which passed about 13 miles west-northwest of town.
Hail: 56 reports of 1-inch or larger hail within 25 miles since 1955, 12 of them 2 inches or more; the largest was 4.00-inch hail on July 13, 2024.
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 Zortman'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.
Zortman radar FAQ
Where is the nearest weather radar to Zortman, MT?
KGGW (Glasgow, MT), about 89 miles east-northeast. KTFX (Great Falls, MT) is 137 miles away and also covers the area.
Does radar show snow in Zortman?
Yes. TALON colors snow blue, a rain–snow mix pink and freezing rain purple using NOAA's precipitation-type analysis. Over Zortman the lowest scan from KGGW is about 8,100 ft up, so light snow from shallow clouds can be under-shown — check NWS winter alerts too.
Is TALON's radar for Zortman 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 Zortman, follow it right away — see watch vs. warning.
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