Cherokee, NC Live Doppler Radar
Live radar for Cherokee, Swain County: every NWS radar combined, rain, snow and ice colors, flash-flood risk, storm tracks and official warnings.
What weather hits Cherokee?
Since 1996, the National Weather Service has logged heavy snow or a winter storm on 86 days in the Swain forecast zone and Swain County — the most common reported hazard around Cherokee, mostly in January and February. Next come damaging thunderstorm winds (67 days) and high winds (23 days).
| Hazard | Days reported | Most recent | Worst on record |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heavy snow & winter storms | 86 | Jan 2026 | — |
| Damaging thunderstorm winds | 67 | Jun 2025 | Jul 27, 2014 · 1 death · $5,000 damage |
| High winds | 23 | Feb 2016 | Apr 16, 2007 · $500,000 damage |
| Extreme cold & wind chill | 21 | Feb 2026 | — |
| Flash flooding | 17 | Sep 2024 | May 7, 2003 · $300,000 damage |
| Flooding | 12 | Sep 2024 | Jan 15, 2013 · $3.5 million damage |
| Ice storms & sleet | 7 | Jan 2000 | — |
| Wildfires | 2 | Nov 2016 | Mar 11, 2007 · $1.0 million 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 Swain forecast zone and Swain County; damage is as reported, not adjusted for inflation.
How much snow does Cherokee get?
A normal year brings about 6.5 inches of snow to Cherokee, based on NOAA's 1991–2020 climate normals for the Cherokee weather station in town. The snowiest month is usually January (2.6 in).
| Oct | Nov | Dec | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0.0 | 0.1 | 2.0 | 2.6 | 0.9 | 0.9 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
Normal snowfall in inches. TALON Pro compares this season's snow at your location with these normals as winter goes on.
Which radars cover Cherokee?
The closest NEXRAD Doppler radar is KMRX (Knoxville, TN), about 47 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 Cherokee | View |
|---|---|---|---|
| KMRX Knoxville, TN | 47 mi north | 3,300 ft | Good — most storms and steady rain or snow show clearly |
| KGSP Greer, SC | 74 mi southeast | 6,100 ft | Fair — the beam can pass over shallow snow and low-level rotation |
| KJKL Jackson, KY | 145 mi north | 17,300 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 Cherokee
Since 1950, NOAA has recorded 15 tornadoes within 25 miles of Cherokee, 2 of them EF2/F2 or stronger. Most came in March and February. The strongest was an F2 on April 3, 1974, which passed about 17 miles west-southwest of town and caused 2 deaths. The most recent was an EF1 on May 8, 2024, which passed about 17 miles south of town.
Hail: 92 reports of 1-inch or larger hail within 25 miles since 1955, 4 of them 2 inches or more; the largest was 2.75-inch hail on April 26, 2012.
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 Cherokee'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.
Cherokee radar FAQ
Where is the nearest weather radar to Cherokee, NC?
KMRX (Knoxville, TN), about 47 miles north. KGSP (Greer, SC) is 74 miles away and also covers the area.
Does radar show snow in Cherokee?
Yes. TALON colors snow blue, a rain–snow mix pink and freezing rain purple using NOAA's precipitation-type analysis. Over Cherokee the lowest scan from KMRX is about 3,300 ft up.
Is TALON's radar for Cherokee 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 Cherokee, follow it right away — see watch vs. warning.
Radar for nearby towns
- Sylva, NC radar 9 mi
- Bryson City, NC radar 9 mi
- Maggie Valley, NC radar 14 mi
- Waynesville, NC radar 17 mi
- Franklin, NC radar 22 mi
- Clyde, NC radar 22 mi
- Canton, NC radar 26 mi
- Highlands, NC radar 30 mi
- Andrews, NC radar 36 mi
- Brevard, NC radar 36 mi