Franklin, NC Live Doppler Radar
Live radar for Franklin, Macon County: every NWS radar combined, rain, snow and ice colors, flash-flood risk, storm tracks and official warnings.
What weather hits Franklin?
Since 1996, the National Weather Service has logged damaging thunderstorm winds on 67 days in the Macon forecast zone and Macon County — the most common reported hazard around Franklin, mostly in July and June. Next come heavy snow & winter storms (48 days) and high winds (39 days).
| Hazard | Days reported | Most recent | Worst on record |
|---|---|---|---|
| Damaging thunderstorm winds | 67 | Jul 2024 | Jul 4, 1997 · $250,000 damage |
| Heavy snow & winter storms | 48 | Jan 2026 | — |
| High winds | 39 | Mar 2025 | Apr 16, 2007 · $600,000 damage |
| Flooding | 20 | Feb 2020 | Sep 16, 2004 · $4.4 million damage |
| Extreme cold & wind chill | 19 | Feb 2026 | — |
| Flash flooding | 18 | Sep 2024 | Sep 27, 2024 · 1 death · $500,000 damage |
| Lightning casualties & damage | 13 | May 2010 | May 16, 2010 · $1.0 million damage |
| Ice storms & sleet | 3 | Dec 1998 | — |
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 Macon forecast zone and Macon County; damage is as reported, not adjusted for inflation.
How much snow does Franklin get?
A normal year brings about 2.6 inches of snow to Franklin, based on NOAA's 1991–2020 climate normals for the Franklin weather station in town. The snowiest month is usually January (1.0 in).
| Oct | Nov | Dec | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.7 | 1.0 | 0.7 | 0.2 | 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 Franklin?
The closest NEXRAD Doppler radar is KMRX (Knoxville, TN), about 68 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 Franklin | View |
|---|---|---|---|
| KMRX Knoxville, TN | 68 mi north | 5,500 ft | Good — most storms and steady rain or snow show clearly |
| KGSP Greer, SC | 69 mi east-southeast | 5,500 ft | Good — most storms and steady rain or snow show clearly |
| KFFC Atlanta, GA | 143 mi south-southwest | 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 Franklin
Since 1950, NOAA has recorded 23 tornadoes within 25 miles of Franklin, 4 of them EF2/F2 or stronger. Most came in April and May. The strongest was an EF3 on April 27, 2011, which passed about 17 miles south of town and caused 1 death. The most recent was an EF1 on May 8, 2024, which passed about 8 miles northeast of town.
Hail: 120 reports of 1-inch or larger hail within 25 miles since 1955, 3 of them 2 inches or more; the largest was 2.75-inch hail on March 28, 1984.
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 Franklin'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.
Franklin radar FAQ
Where is the nearest weather radar to Franklin, NC?
KMRX (Knoxville, TN), about 68 miles north. KGSP (Greer, SC) is 69 miles away and also covers the area.
Does radar show snow in Franklin?
Yes. TALON colors snow blue, a rain–snow mix pink and freezing rain purple using NOAA's precipitation-type analysis. Over Franklin the lowest scan from KMRX is about 5,500 ft up.
Is TALON's radar for Franklin 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 Franklin, follow it right away — see watch vs. warning.
Radar for nearby towns
- Highlands, NC radar 14 mi
- Sylva, NC radar 16 mi
- Bryson City, NC radar 17 mi
- Andrews, NC radar 25 mi
- Maggie Valley, NC radar 30 mi
- Waynesville, NC radar 30 mi
- Clyde, NC radar 36 mi
- Murphy, NC radar 37 mi
- Brevard, NC radar 37 mi
- Canton, NC radar 39 mi