Washburn, ND Live Doppler Radar
Live radar for Washburn, McLean County: every NWS radar combined, rain, snow and ice colors, flash-flood risk, storm tracks and official warnings.
What weather hits Washburn?
Since 1996, the National Weather Service has logged damaging thunderstorm winds on 89 days in the Eastern McLean forecast zone and McLean County — the most common reported hazard around Washburn, mostly in July and June. Next come lightning casualties & damage (6 days) and flash flooding (6 days).
| Hazard | Days reported | Most recent | Worst on record |
|---|---|---|---|
| Damaging thunderstorm winds | 89 | Jun 2026 | Jun 29, 2018 · 1 death · $250,000 damage |
| Lightning casualties & damage | 6 | Jul 2011 | Aug 3, 1996 · $70,000 damage |
| Flash flooding | 6 | Jun 2018 | Jun 6, 1999 · $300,000 damage |
| Flooding | 5 | Aug 2011 | Jun 2, 2011 · $5.0 million damage |
| High winds | 2 | May 2026 | — |
| Dust storms | 1 | May 2026 | — |
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 Eastern McLean forecast zone and McLean County; damage is as reported, not adjusted for inflation.
How much snow does Washburn get?
A normal year brings about 43 inches of snow to Washburn, based on NOAA's 1991–2020 climate normals for the Washburn weather station in town. The snowiest month is usually December (8.6 in).
| Oct | Nov | Dec | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.4 | 6.6 | 8.6 | 7.2 | 6.4 | 6.9 | 4.1 | 0.9 |
Normal snowfall in inches. TALON Pro compares this season's snow at your location with these normals as winter goes on.
Which radars cover Washburn?
The closest NEXRAD Doppler radar is KBIS (Bismarck, ND), 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 Washburn | View |
|---|---|---|---|
| KBIS Bismarck, ND | 38 mi south-southeast | 2,500 ft | Excellent — the lowest scan sees close to the ground |
| KMBX Minot AFB, ND | 76 mi north | 6,400 ft | Fair — the beam can pass over shallow snow and low-level rotation |
| KMVX Grand Forks, ND | 174 mi east | 23,100 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 Washburn
Since 1950, NOAA has recorded 51 tornadoes within 25 miles of Washburn, 6 of them EF2/F2 or stronger. Most came in June and July. The strongest was an F3 on June 5, 1956, which touched down about 21 miles north-northwest of town. The most recent was a tornado of unknown strength on September 14, 2025, which passed about 17 miles southeast of town.
Hail: 216 reports of 1-inch or larger hail within 25 miles since 1955, 29 of them 2 inches or more; the largest was 4.25-inch hail on June 18, 2008.
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 Washburn'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.
Washburn radar FAQ
Where is the nearest weather radar to Washburn, ND?
KBIS (Bismarck, ND), about 38 miles south-southeast. KMBX (Minot AFB, ND) is 76 miles away and also covers the area.
Can radar see a tornado near Washburn?
Radar can't see the tornado itself, but it shows the rotating storm and, once debris is lofted, a debris signature. Over Washburn the lowest scan from KBIS is about 2,500 ft up — excellent — the lowest scan sees close to the ground.
Is TALON's radar for Washburn 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 Washburn, follow it right away — see watch vs. warning.
Radar for nearby towns
- Hazen, ND radar 28 mi
- Garrison, ND radar 31 mi
- Mandan, ND radar 33 mi
- Beulah, ND radar 35 mi
- Bismarck, ND radar 35 mi
- New Salem, ND radar 36 mi
- Lincoln, ND radar 39 mi
- Velva, ND radar 53 mi
- Harvey, ND radar 61 mi