White Shield, ND Live Doppler Radar
Live radar for White Shield, McLean County: every NWS radar combined, rain, snow and ice colors, flash-flood risk, storm tracks and official warnings.
What weather hits White Shield?
Since 1996, the National Weather Service has logged damaging thunderstorm winds on 89 days in the Western McLean forecast zone and McLean County — the most common reported hazard around White Shield, 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 |
| Dust storms | 1 | May 2026 | — |
| High winds | 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 Western McLean forecast zone and McLean County; damage is as reported, not adjusted for inflation.
Which radars cover White Shield?
The closest NEXRAD Doppler radar is KMBX (Minot AFB, ND), about 68 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 White Shield | View |
|---|---|---|---|
| KMBX Minot AFB, ND | 68 mi northeast | 5,400 ft | Good — most storms and steady rain or snow show clearly |
| KBIS Bismarck, ND | 80 mi southeast | 6,900 ft | Fair — the beam can pass over shallow snow and low-level rotation |
| KMVX Grand Forks, ND | 211 mi east | 31,900 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 White Shield
Since 1950, NOAA has recorded 30 tornadoes within 25 miles of White Shield, 4 of them EF2/F2 or stronger. Most came in June and July. The strongest was an F3 on June 18, 1956, which passed about 25 miles south of town. The most recent was a tornado of unknown strength on July 20, 2020, which touched down about 4 miles northwest of town.
Hail: 142 reports of 1-inch or larger hail within 25 miles since 1955, 13 of them 2 inches or more; the largest was 4.50-inch hail on August 6, 1982.
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 White Shield'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.
White Shield radar FAQ
Where is the nearest weather radar to White Shield, ND?
KMBX (Minot AFB, ND), about 68 miles northeast. KBIS (Bismarck, ND) is 80 miles away and also covers the area.
Can radar see a tornado near White Shield?
Radar can't see the tornado itself, but it shows the rotating storm and, once debris is lofted, a debris signature. Over White Shield the lowest scan from KMBX is about 5,400 ft up — good — most storms and steady rain or snow show clearly.
Is TALON's radar for White Shield 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 White Shield, follow it right away — see watch vs. warning.
Radar for nearby towns
- Garrison, ND radar 20 mi
- Hazen, ND radar 27 mi
- Beulah, ND radar 27 mi
- New Town, ND radar 38 mi
- Washburn, ND radar 46 mi
- Burlington, ND radar 46 mi
- Minot, ND radar 48 mi
- Velva, ND radar 50 mi
- Stanley, ND radar 52 mi
- Surrey, ND radar 52 mi