Forbes, ND Live Doppler Radar
Live radar for Forbes, Dickey County: every NWS radar combined, rain, snow and ice colors, flash-flood risk, storm tracks and official warnings.
What weather hits Forbes?
Since 1996, the National Weather Service has logged heavy snow or a winter storm on 62 days in the Dickey forecast zone and Dickey County — the most common reported hazard around Forbes, mostly in December and March. Next come blizzards (51 days) and damaging thunderstorm winds (45 days).
| Hazard | Days reported | Most recent | Worst on record |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heavy snow & winter storms | 62 | Apr 2026 | Oct 10, 2018 · $400,000 damage |
| Blizzards | 51 | Apr 2023 | Apr 4, 1997 · $1.5 million damage |
| Damaging thunderstorm winds | 45 | Jun 2026 | Jul 10, 2011 · $2.3 million damage |
| High winds | 38 | Mar 2026 | Feb 13, 2011 · $20,000 damage |
| Extreme cold & wind chill | 29 | Feb 2025 | — |
| Flash flooding | 8 | Jul 2018 | Jun 7, 2005 · $750,000 damage |
| Flooding | 5 | Apr 2023 | Jul 10, 2011 · $500,000 damage |
| Ice storms & sleet | 4 | Dec 2023 | Dec 25, 2023 · $1.0 million 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 Dickey forecast zone and Dickey County; damage is as reported, not adjusted for inflation.
How much snow does Forbes get?
A normal year brings about 39 inches of snow to Forbes, based on NOAA's 1991–2020 climate normals for the Elm Lake 4 Nw weather station 1.1 miles away. The snowiest month is usually February (9.3 in).
| Oct | Nov | Dec | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.4 | 3.1 | 7.5 | 7.4 | 9.3 | 5.6 | 4.8 | 0.1 |
Normal snowfall in inches. TALON Pro compares this season's snow at your location with these normals as winter goes on.
Which radars cover Forbes?
The closest NEXRAD Doppler radar is KABR (Aberdeen, SD), about 38 miles south-southeast. 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 Forbes | View |
|---|---|---|---|
| KABR Aberdeen, SD | 38 mi south-southeast | 2,500 ft | Excellent — the lowest scan sees close to the ground |
| KBIS Bismarck, ND | 110 mi west-northwest | 11,200 ft | Limited — the beam overshoots the lowest part of storms |
| KMVX Grand Forks, ND | 129 mi north-northeast | 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 Forbes
Since 1950, NOAA has recorded 59 tornadoes within 25 miles of Forbes, 13 of them EF2/F2 or stronger. Most came in July and June. The strongest was an F4 on June 23, 2002, which passed about 21 miles east-southeast of town. The most recent was a tornado of unknown strength on August 5, 2025, which touched down about 19 miles south-southwest of town.
Hail: 216 reports of 1-inch or larger hail within 25 miles since 1955, 37 of them 2 inches or more; the largest was 4.50-inch hail on June 23, 2002.
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 Forbes'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.
Forbes radar FAQ
Where is the nearest weather radar to Forbes, ND?
KABR (Aberdeen, SD), about 38 miles south-southeast. KBIS (Bismarck, ND) is 110 miles away and also covers the area.
Does radar show snow in Forbes?
Yes. TALON colors snow blue, a rain–snow mix pink and freezing rain purple using NOAA's precipitation-type analysis. Over Forbes the lowest scan from KABR is about 2,500 ft up.
Is TALON's radar for Forbes 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 Forbes, follow it right away — see watch vs. warning.
Radar for nearby towns
- Ellendale, ND radar 13 mi
- Oakes, ND radar 36 mi