Morehead City, NC Live Doppler Radar
Live radar for Morehead City, Carteret County: every NWS radar combined, rain, snow and ice colors, flash-flood risk, storm tracks and official warnings.
What weather hits Morehead City?
Since 1996, the National Weather Service has logged damaging thunderstorm winds on 98 days in the West Carteret forecast zone and Carteret County — the most common reported hazard around Morehead City, mostly in June and July. Next come flash flooding (29 days) and flooding (9 days).
| Hazard | Days reported | Most recent | Worst on record |
|---|---|---|---|
| Damaging thunderstorm winds | 98 | Mar 2026 | Jan 12, 1996 · $500,000 damage |
| Flash flooding | 29 | Sep 2024 | Sep 30, 2010 · $10,000 damage |
| Flooding | 9 | Nov 2015 | Sep 9, 2007 · $5,000 damage |
| Hurricanes & tropical storms | 6 | Aug 2024 | — |
| Excessive heat | 4 | Jul 2024 | — |
| Heavy snow & winter storms | 3 | Feb 2026 | — |
| Lightning casualties & damage | 2 | Jun 2007 | May 23, 1998 · 1 death |
| Ice storms & sleet | 1 | Jan 2022 | — |
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 West Carteret forecast zone and Carteret County; damage is as reported, not adjusted for inflation.
Which radars cover Morehead City?
The closest NEXRAD Doppler radar is KMHX (Morehead City, NC), about 8 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 Morehead City | View |
|---|---|---|---|
| KMHX Morehead City, NC | 8 mi west-northwest | 400 ft | Excellent — the lowest scan sees close to the ground |
| KLTX Wilmington, NC | 109 mi west-southwest | 11,000 ft | Limited — the beam overshoots the lowest part of storms |
| KRAX Raleigh/Durham, NC | 118 mi west-northwest | 12,400 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 Morehead City
Since 1950, NOAA has recorded 92 tornadoes within 25 miles of Morehead City, 9 of them EF2/F2 or stronger. Most came in September and August. The strongest was an EF2 on April 16, 2011, which passed about 22 miles northwest of town. The most recent was an EF0 on September 16, 2024, which touched down about 17 miles west of town.
Hail: 73 reports of 1-inch or larger hail within 25 miles since 1955, 5 of them 2 inches or more; the largest was 2.75-inch hail on July 28, 2014.
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 Morehead City'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.
Morehead City radar FAQ
Where is the nearest weather radar to Morehead City, NC?
KMHX (Morehead City, NC), about 8 miles west-northwest. KLTX (Wilmington, NC) is 109 miles away and also covers the area.
Can radar see a tornado near Morehead City?
Radar can't see the tornado itself, but it shows the rotating storm and, once debris is lofted, a debris signature. Over Morehead City the lowest scan from KMHX is about 400 ft up — excellent — the lowest scan sees close to the ground.
Is TALON's radar for Morehead City 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 Morehead City, follow it right away — see watch vs. warning.
Radar for nearby towns
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- Beaufort, NC radar 5 mi
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- Newport, NC radar 8 mi
- Havelock, NC radar 15 mi
- Emerald Isle, NC radar 17 mi
- Cape Carteret, NC radar 18 mi
- Cedar Point, NC radar 20 mi
- Swansboro, NC radar 23 mi
- Bayboro, NC radar 29 mi