Sneads Ferry, NC Live Doppler Radar
Live radar for Sneads Ferry, Onslow County: every NWS radar combined, rain, snow and ice colors, flash-flood risk, storm tracks and official warnings.
What weather hits Sneads Ferry?
Since 1996, the National Weather Service has logged damaging thunderstorm winds on 111 days in the Coastal Onslow forecast zone and Onslow County — the most common reported hazard around Sneads Ferry, mostly in June and July. Next come flash flooding (35 days) and flooding (13 days).
| Hazard | Days reported | Most recent | Worst on record |
|---|---|---|---|
| Damaging thunderstorm winds | 111 | May 2026 | May 26, 2006 · $50,000 damage |
| Flash flooding | 35 | Aug 2025 | Sep 30, 2010 · $7.0 million damage |
| Flooding | 13 | May 2018 | Jun 28, 2006 · $50,000 damage |
| Lightning casualties & damage | 6 | Apr 2025 | Apr 11, 2025 · 1 death |
| Excessive heat | 5 | Jul 2025 | — |
| Heavy snow & winter storms | 3 | Feb 2026 | — |
| Hurricanes & tropical storms | 1 | Aug 2020 | — |
| Coastal flooding | 1 | Nov 2021 | — |
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 Coastal Onslow forecast zone and Onslow County; damage is as reported, not adjusted for inflation.
Which radars cover Sneads Ferry?
The closest NEXRAD Doppler radar is KMHX (Morehead City, NC), about 32 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 Sneads Ferry | View |
|---|---|---|---|
| KMHX Morehead City, NC | 32 mi east-northeast | 2,000 ft | Excellent — the lowest scan sees close to the ground |
| KLTX Wilmington, NC | 72 mi west-southwest | 5,900 ft | Good — most storms and steady rain or snow show clearly |
| KRAX Raleigh/Durham, NC | 99 mi northwest | 9,500 ft | Fair — the beam can pass over shallow snow and low-level rotation |
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 Sneads Ferry
Since 1950, NOAA has recorded 70 tornadoes within 25 miles of Sneads Ferry, 7 of them EF2/F2 or stronger. Most came in September and August. The strongest was an EF3 on April 16, 2011, which passed about 12 miles north of town. The most recent was an EF0 on September 16, 2024, which touched down about 21 miles east-northeast of town.
Hail: 89 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 21, 1997.
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 Sneads Ferry'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.
Sneads Ferry radar FAQ
Where is the nearest weather radar to Sneads Ferry, NC?
KMHX (Morehead City, NC), about 32 miles east-northeast. KLTX (Wilmington, NC) is 72 miles away and also covers the area.
Can radar see a tornado near Sneads Ferry?
Radar can't see the tornado itself, but it shows the rotating storm and, once debris is lofted, a debris signature. Over Sneads Ferry the lowest scan from KMHX is about 2,000 ft up — excellent — the lowest scan sees close to the ground.
Is TALON's radar for Sneads Ferry 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 Sneads Ferry, follow it right away — see watch vs. warning.
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