Murphy, NC Live Doppler Radar
Live radar for Murphy, Cherokee County: every NWS radar combined, rain, snow and ice colors, flash-flood risk, storm tracks and official warnings.
What weather hits Murphy?
Since 1996, the National Weather Service has logged damaging thunderstorm winds on 119 days in the Cherokee forecast zone and Cherokee County — the most common reported hazard around Murphy, mostly in June and July. Next come heavy snow & winter storms (26 days) and high winds (12 days).
| Hazard | Days reported | Most recent | Worst on record |
|---|---|---|---|
| Damaging thunderstorm winds | 119 | Jun 2026 | Jul 4, 1997 · $37,000 damage |
| Heavy snow & winter storms | 26 | Jan 2026 | Mar 19, 1996 · $1,000 damage |
| High winds | 12 | Mar 2023 | Oct 17, 2006 · $25,000 damage |
| Flash flooding | 11 | Jul 2022 | May 6, 2003 · $1.7 million damage |
| Flooding | 7 | Dec 2015 | Dec 2, 2015 · $10,000 damage |
| Ice storms & sleet | 2 | Jan 2005 | — |
| Hurricanes & tropical storms | 1 | Sep 2004 | Sep 16, 2004 · $15,000 damage |
| Blizzards | 1 | Mar 2013 | — |
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 Cherokee forecast zone and Cherokee County; damage is as reported, not adjusted for inflation.
How much snow does Murphy get?
A normal year brings about 4.4 inches of snow to Murphy, based on NOAA's 1991–2020 climate normals for the Murphy 4Ese weather station 3.6 miles away. The snowiest month is usually December (1.9 in).
| Oct | Nov | Dec | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0.0 | 0.1 | 1.9 | 0.8 | 1.5 | 0.1 | 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 Murphy?
The closest NEXRAD Doppler radar is KMRX (Knoxville, TN), about 82 miles north-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 Murphy | View |
|---|---|---|---|
| KMRX Knoxville, TN | 82 mi north-northeast | 7,100 ft | Fair — the beam can pass over shallow snow and low-level rotation |
| KGSP Greer, SC | 103 mi east | 10,100 ft | Limited — the beam overshoots the lowest part of storms |
| KHTX Huntsville, AL | 117 mi west | 12,200 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 Murphy
Since 1950, NOAA has recorded 34 tornadoes within 25 miles of Murphy, 7 of them EF2/F2 or stronger. Most came in April and March. The strongest was an F4 on April 3, 1974, which crossed near town and caused 4 deaths. The most recent was an EF1 on May 8, 2024, which touched down about 4 miles east of town.
Hail: 130 reports of 1-inch or larger hail within 25 miles since 1955, 9 of them 2 inches or more; the largest was 4.25-inch hail on May 26, 2011.
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 Murphy'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.
Murphy radar FAQ
Where is the nearest weather radar to Murphy, NC?
KMRX (Knoxville, TN), about 82 miles north-northeast. KGSP (Greer, SC) is 103 miles away and also covers the area.
Does radar show snow in Murphy?
Yes. TALON colors snow blue, a rain–snow mix pink and freezing rain purple using NOAA's precipitation-type analysis. Over Murphy the lowest scan from KMRX is about 7,100 ft up, so light snow from shallow clouds can be under-shown — check NWS winter alerts too.
Is TALON's radar for Murphy 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 Murphy, follow it right away — see watch vs. warning.
Radar for nearby towns
- Andrews, NC radar 13 mi
- Franklin, NC radar 37 mi
- Bryson City, NC radar 40 mi
- Highlands, NC radar 47 mi
- Sylva, NC radar 49 mi
- Maggie Valley, NC radar 62 mi