Leal, ND Live Doppler Radar
Live radar for Leal, Barnes County: every NWS radar combined, rain, snow and ice colors, flash-flood risk, storm tracks and official warnings.
What weather hits Leal?
Since 1996, the National Weather Service has logged damaging thunderstorm winds on 82 days in the Barnes forecast zone and Barnes County — the most common reported hazard around Leal, mostly in June and July. Next come heavy snow & winter storms (81 days) and blizzards (77 days).
| Hazard | Days reported | Most recent | Worst on record |
|---|---|---|---|
| Damaging thunderstorm winds | 82 | Jun 2026 | Jul 15, 2007 · $5.0 million damage |
| Heavy snow & winter storms | 81 | Apr 2026 | Nov 27, 2005 · $250,000 damage |
| Blizzards | 77 | Feb 2024 | Apr 5, 1997 · $6.0 million damage |
| Extreme cold & wind chill | 69 | Jan 2026 | Mar 8, 2003 · $50,000 damage |
| High winds | 28 | Aug 2025 | Jun 11, 2008 · $500,000 damage |
| Flash flooding | 15 | Aug 2025 | Jun 20, 2013 · $250,000 damage |
| Flooding | 12 | Aug 2011 | Jun 17, 2007 · $3.4 million damage |
| Ice storms & sleet | 8 | Dec 2023 | Apr 4, 1997 · $6.0 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 Barnes forecast zone and Barnes County; damage is as reported, not adjusted for inflation.
Which radars cover Leal?
The closest NEXRAD Doppler radar is KMVX (Grand Forks, ND), about 55 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 Leal | View |
|---|---|---|---|
| KMVX Grand Forks, ND | 55 mi east-northeast | 4,000 ft | Good — most storms and steady rain or snow show clearly |
| KABR Aberdeen, SD | 114 mi south | 11,800 ft | Limited — the beam overshoots the lowest part of storms |
| KBIS Bismarck, ND | 118 mi west | 12,300 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 Leal
Since 1950, NOAA has recorded 81 tornadoes within 25 miles of Leal, 15 of them EF2/F2 or stronger. Most came in June and July. The strongest was an F4 on July 18, 2004, which passed about 23 miles south of town. The most recent was an EF1 on August 8, 2025, which touched down about 19 miles north of town.
Hail: 239 reports of 1-inch or larger hail within 25 miles since 1955, 27 of them 2 inches or more; the largest was 4.50-inch hail on August 31, 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 Leal'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.
Leal radar FAQ
Where is the nearest weather radar to Leal, ND?
KMVX (Grand Forks, ND), about 55 miles east-northeast. KABR (Aberdeen, SD) is 114 miles away and also covers the area.
Does radar show snow in Leal?
Yes. TALON colors snow blue, a rain–snow mix pink and freezing rain purple using NOAA's precipitation-type analysis. Over Leal the lowest scan from KMVX is about 4,000 ft up.
Is TALON's radar for Leal 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 Leal, follow it right away — see watch vs. warning.
Radar for nearby towns
- Valley City, ND radar 19 mi
- Jamestown, ND radar 23 mi
- Carrington, ND radar 45 mi
- Mayville, ND radar 54 mi
- Casselton, ND radar 54 mi
- Lisbon, ND radar 55 mi
- New Rockford, ND radar 55 mi
- Mapleton, ND radar 61 mi