Norman, NC Live Doppler Radar
Live radar for Norman, Richmond County: every NWS radar combined, rain, snow and ice colors, flash-flood risk, storm tracks and official warnings.
What weather hits Norman?
Since 1996, the National Weather Service has logged damaging thunderstorm winds on 100 days in the Richmond forecast zone and Richmond County — the most common reported hazard around Norman, mostly in June and July. Next come heavy snow & winter storms (26 days) and flash flooding (18 days).
| Hazard | Days reported | Most recent | Worst on record |
|---|---|---|---|
| Damaging thunderstorm winds | 100 | Jun 2026 | Apr 13, 2020 · $100,000 damage |
| Heavy snow & winter storms | 26 | Jan 2026 | — |
| Flash flooding | 18 | Aug 2024 | Oct 8, 2016 · $45,000 damage |
| Hurricanes & tropical storms | 8 | Sep 2022 | Sep 30, 2022 · $1.0 million damage |
| Ice storms & sleet | 4 | Dec 1998 | — |
| Flooding | 4 | Sep 2018 | Sep 17, 2018 · $52 million damage |
| Excessive heat | 4 | Jul 2025 | — |
| High winds | 3 | Feb 2010 | Feb 10, 2010 · $1,000 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 Richmond forecast zone and Richmond County; damage is as reported, not adjusted for inflation.
How much snow does Norman get?
A normal year brings about 3.3 inches of snow to Norman, based on NOAA's 1991–2020 climate normals for the Jackson Springs 5 Wnw weather station 2.8 miles away. The snowiest month is usually January (2.3 in).
| Oct | Nov | Dec | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.2 | 2.3 | 0.6 | 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 Norman?
The closest NEXRAD Doppler radar is KRAX (Raleigh/Durham, NC), about 77 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 Norman | View |
|---|---|---|---|
| KRAX Raleigh/Durham, NC | 77 mi east-northeast | 6,600 ft | Fair — the beam can pass over shallow snow and low-level rotation |
| KLTX Wilmington, NC | 110 mi southeast | 11,100 ft | Limited — the beam overshoots the lowest part of storms |
| KCAE Columbia, SC | 116 mi southwest | 12,100 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 Norman
Since 1950, NOAA has recorded 35 tornadoes within 25 miles of Norman, 10 of them EF2/F2 or stronger. Most came in September and May. The strongest was an F3 on August 29, 1964, which passed about 18 miles south of town. The most recent was an EF2 on March 31, 2022, which passed about 25 miles west of town.
Hail: 140 reports of 1-inch or larger hail within 25 miles since 1955, 7 of them 2 inches or more; the largest was 4.50-inch hail on May 27, 1998.
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 Norman'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.
Norman radar FAQ
Where is the nearest weather radar to Norman, NC?
KRAX (Raleigh/Durham, NC), about 77 miles east-northeast. KLTX (Wilmington, NC) is 110 miles away and also covers the area.
Does radar show snow in Norman?
Yes. TALON colors snow blue, a rain–snow mix pink and freezing rain purple using NOAA's precipitation-type analysis. Over Norman the lowest scan from KRAX is about 6,600 ft up, so light snow from shallow clouds can be under-shown — check NWS winter alerts too.
Is TALON's radar for Norman 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 Norman, follow it right away — see watch vs. warning.
Radar for nearby towns
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- Aberdeen, NC radar 16 mi
- Troy, NC radar 16 mi
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- Hamlet, NC radar 19 mi