Rolla, ND Live Doppler Radar
Live radar for Rolla, Rolette County: every NWS radar combined, rain, snow and ice colors, flash-flood risk, storm tracks and official warnings.
What weather hits Rolla?
Since 1996, the National Weather Service has logged heavy snow or a winter storm on 57 days in the Rolette forecast zone and Rolette County — the most common reported hazard around Rolla, mostly in December and February. Next come blizzards (44 days) and extreme cold & wind chill (40 days).
| Hazard | Days reported | Most recent | Worst on record |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heavy snow & winter storms | 57 | Feb 2026 | Nov 6, 2008 · $20,000 damage |
| Blizzards | 44 | Dec 2025 | Jan 9, 1997 · 1 death · $1.5 million damage |
| Extreme cold & wind chill | 40 | Feb 2025 | — |
| High winds | 37 | May 2026 | May 25, 2010 · $30,000 damage |
| Damaging thunderstorm winds | 30 | Jun 2026 | Jul 7, 2005 · 1 death |
| Flash flooding | 8 | Jun 2009 | Jun 24, 2007 · $150,000 damage |
| Flooding | 4 | Apr 2023 | Apr 16, 2023 · 1 death · $20,000 damage |
| Excessive heat | 1 | Jul 2011 | — |
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 Rolette forecast zone and Rolette County; damage is as reported, not adjusted for inflation.
Which radars cover Rolla?
The closest NEXRAD Doppler radar is KMBX (Minot AFB, ND), about 65 miles west-southwest. 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 Rolla | View |
|---|---|---|---|
| KMBX Minot AFB, ND | 65 mi west-southwest | 5,100 ft | Good — most storms and steady rain or snow show clearly |
| KMVX Grand Forks, ND | 139 mi southeast | 16,100 ft | Limited — the beam overshoots the lowest part of storms |
| KBIS Bismarck, ND | 153 mi south-southwest | 18,700 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 Rolla
Since 1950, NOAA has recorded 32 tornadoes within 25 miles of Rolla, 3 of them EF2/F2 or stronger. Most came in June and July. The strongest was an EF3 on July 7, 2008, which crossed near town. The most recent was an EF0 on September 20, 2019, which touched down about 19 miles southeast of town.
Hail: 106 reports of 1-inch or larger hail within 25 miles since 1955, 16 of them 2 inches or more; the largest was 3.00-inch hail on May 27, 2006.
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 Rolla'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.
Rolla radar FAQ
Where is the nearest weather radar to Rolla, ND?
KMBX (Minot AFB, ND), about 65 miles west-southwest. KMVX (Grand Forks, ND) is 139 miles away and also covers the area.
Does radar show snow in Rolla?
Yes. TALON colors snow blue, a rain–snow mix pink and freezing rain purple using NOAA's precipitation-type analysis. Over Rolla the lowest scan from KMBX is about 5,100 ft up.
Is TALON's radar for Rolla 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 Rolla, follow it right away — see watch vs. warning.
Radar for nearby towns
- Cando, ND radar 31 mi
- Rugby, ND radar 37 mi
- Bottineau, ND radar 38 mi
- Langdon, ND radar 56 mi
- Devils Lake, ND radar 61 mi