Wilton, ND Live Doppler Radar
Live radar for Wilton, McLean County: every NWS radar combined, rain, snow and ice colors, flash-flood risk, storm tracks and official warnings.
What weather hits Wilton?
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 Wilton, 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.
Which radars cover Wilton?
The closest NEXRAD Doppler radar is KBIS (Bismarck, ND), about 27 miles south. 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 Wilton | View |
|---|---|---|---|
| KBIS Bismarck, ND | 27 mi south | 1,600 ft | Excellent — the lowest scan sees close to the ground |
| KMBX Minot AFB, ND | 85 mi north | 7,600 ft | Fair — the beam can pass over shallow snow and low-level rotation |
| KABR Aberdeen, SD | 163 mi southeast | 20,800 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 Wilton
Since 1950, NOAA has recorded 63 tornadoes within 25 miles of Wilton, 7 of them EF2/F2 or stronger. Most came in June and July. The strongest was an F4 on July 1, 1952, which passed about 15 miles east-southeast of town and caused 1 death. The most recent was an EF1 on September 14, 2025, which touched down about 24 miles south-southeast of town.
Hail: 282 reports of 1-inch or larger hail within 25 miles since 1955, 43 of them 2 inches or more; the largest was 4.50-inch hail on July 29, 1986.
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 Wilton'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.
Wilton radar FAQ
Where is the nearest weather radar to Wilton, ND?
KBIS (Bismarck, ND), about 27 miles south. KMBX (Minot AFB, ND) is 85 miles away and also covers the area.
Can radar see a tornado near Wilton?
Radar can't see the tornado itself, but it shows the rotating storm and, once debris is lofted, a debris signature. Over Wilton the lowest scan from KBIS is about 1,600 ft up — excellent — the lowest scan sees close to the ground.
Is TALON's radar for Wilton 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 Wilton, follow it right away — see watch vs. warning.
Radar for nearby towns
- Washburn, ND radar 15 mi
- Mandan, ND radar 23 mi
- Bismarck, ND radar 24 mi
- Lincoln, ND radar 27 mi
- New Salem, ND radar 37 mi
- Hazen, ND radar 41 mi
- Garrison, ND radar 45 mi
- Beulah, ND radar 47 mi
- Harvey, ND radar 59 mi