Sparta, NC Live Doppler Radar
Live radar for Sparta, Alleghany County: every NWS radar combined, rain, snow and ice colors, flash-flood risk, storm tracks and official warnings.
What weather hits Sparta?
Since 1996, the National Weather Service has logged high winds on 68 days in the Alleghany forecast zone and Alleghany County — the most common reported hazard around Sparta, mostly in February and December. Next come heavy snow & winter storms (61 days) and damaging thunderstorm winds (32 days).
| Hazard | Days reported | Most recent | Worst on record |
|---|---|---|---|
| High winds | 68 | Dec 2025 | Sep 27, 2024 · $1.0 million damage |
| Heavy snow & winter storms | 61 | Jan 2026 | Feb 11, 2025 · $400,000 damage |
| Damaging thunderstorm winds | 32 | Jun 2026 | Oct 23, 2017 · $50,000 damage |
| Flash flooding | 19 | Sep 2024 | Sep 27, 2024 · $5.0 million damage |
| Ice storms & sleet | 12 | Nov 2018 | Feb 1, 1996 · $50,000 damage |
| Flooding | 10 | Jan 2024 | Sep 8, 2004 · $185,000 damage |
| Lightning casualties & damage | 8 | Jul 2019 | Jul 16, 2019 · $500,000 damage |
| Extreme cold & wind chill | 5 | Dec 2022 | Feb 3, 1996 · $20,000 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 Alleghany forecast zone and Alleghany County; damage is as reported, not adjusted for inflation.
How much snow does Sparta get?
A normal year brings about 19 inches of snow to Sparta, based on NOAA's 1991–2020 climate normals for the Sparta 3.5 Ssw weather station 3.5 miles away. The snowiest month is usually January (5.3 in).
| Oct | Nov | Dec | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0.0 | 0.3 | 4.7 | 5.3 | 4.2 | 3.1 | 1.0 | 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 Sparta?
The closest NEXRAD Doppler radar is KFCX (Blacksburg, VA), about 59 miles 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 Sparta | View |
|---|---|---|---|
| KFCX Blacksburg, VA | 59 mi northeast | 4,500 ft | Good — most storms and steady rain or snow show clearly |
| KGSP Greer, SC | 128 mi south-southwest | 14,000 ft | Limited — the beam overshoots the lowest part of storms |
| KMRX Knoxville, TN | 129 mi west | 14,300 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 Sparta
Since 1950, NOAA has recorded 19 tornadoes within 25 miles of Sparta, 1 of them EF2/F2 or stronger. Most came in May and July. The strongest was an EF2 on May 8, 2009, which passed about 6 miles northeast of town. The most recent was an EF1 on September 26, 2024, which touched down about 16 miles south-southeast of town.
Hail: 215 reports of 1-inch or larger hail within 25 miles since 1955, 9 of them 2 inches or more; the largest was 3.00-inch hail on June 5, 1985.
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 Sparta'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.
Sparta radar FAQ
Where is the nearest weather radar to Sparta, NC?
KFCX (Blacksburg, VA), about 59 miles northeast. KGSP (Greer, SC) is 128 miles away and also covers the area.
Does radar show snow in Sparta?
Yes. TALON colors snow blue, a rain–snow mix pink and freezing rain purple using NOAA's precipitation-type analysis. Over Sparta the lowest scan from KFCX is about 4,500 ft up.
Is TALON's radar for Sparta 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 Sparta, follow it right away — see watch vs. warning.
Radar for nearby towns
- Jefferson, NC radar 20 mi
- West Jefferson, NC radar 22 mi
- Elkin, NC radar 23 mi
- North Wilkesboro, NC radar 23 mi
- Dobson, NC radar 23 mi
- Jonesville, NC radar 25 mi
- Wilkesboro, NC radar 25 mi
- Mount Airy, NC radar 28 mi
- Boonville, NC radar 30 mi
- Boone, NC radar 36 mi