Brownlee, NE Live Doppler Radar
Live radar for Brownlee, Cherry County: every NWS radar combined, rain, snow and ice colors, flash-flood risk, storm tracks and official warnings.
What weather hits Brownlee?
Since 1996, the National Weather Service has logged damaging thunderstorm winds on 164 days in the Eastern Cherry forecast zone and Cherry County — the most common reported hazard around Brownlee, mostly in July and June. Next come heavy snow & winter storms (62 days) and high winds (36 days).
| Hazard | Days reported | Most recent | Worst on record |
|---|---|---|---|
| Damaging thunderstorm winds | 164 | Jun 2026 | Jun 6, 2014 · $150,000 damage |
| Heavy snow & winter storms | 62 | Feb 2023 | Apr 11, 2001 · $10 million damage |
| High winds | 36 | Mar 2026 | Nov 1, 1997 · $20,000 damage |
| Extreme cold & wind chill | 25 | Feb 2025 | — |
| Blizzards | 15 | Dec 2023 | Apr 4, 2009 · $70,000 damage |
| Flash flooding | 9 | Jun 2025 | Jul 26, 2001 · $39,000 damage |
| Lightning casualties & damage | 3 | Jun 2010 | Jun 10, 2010 · $1,000 damage |
| Flooding | 3 | Jul 2020 | Jun 12, 2010 · $140,000 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 Eastern Cherry forecast zone and Cherry County; damage is as reported, not adjusted for inflation.
Which radars cover Brownlee?
The closest NEXRAD Doppler radar is KLNX (North Platte, NE), about 23 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 Brownlee | View |
|---|---|---|---|
| KLNX North Platte, NE | 23 mi south | 1,300 ft | Excellent — the lowest scan sees close to the ground |
| KUDX Rapid City, SD | 169 mi northwest | 22,000 ft | Limited — the beam overshoots the lowest part of storms |
| KUEX Hastings, NE | 177 mi southeast | 23,800 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 Brownlee
Since 1950, NOAA has recorded 25 tornadoes within 25 miles of Brownlee, 5 of them EF2/F2 or stronger. Most came in June and July. The strongest was an F2 on May 24, 1965, which passed about 22 miles south of town. The most recent was a tornado of unknown strength on July 27, 2025, which touched down about 15 miles north of town.
Hail: 250 reports of 1-inch or larger hail within 25 miles since 1955, 25 of them 2 inches or more; the largest was 4.50-inch hail on August 15, 1985.
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 Brownlee'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.
Brownlee radar FAQ
Where is the nearest weather radar to Brownlee, NE?
KLNX (North Platte, NE), about 23 miles south. KUDX (Rapid City, SD) is 169 miles away and also covers the area.
Does radar show snow in Brownlee?
Yes. TALON colors snow blue, a rain–snow mix pink and freezing rain purple using NOAA's precipitation-type analysis. Over Brownlee the lowest scan from KLNX is about 1,300 ft up.
Is TALON's radar for Brownlee 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 Brownlee, follow it right away — see watch vs. warning.
Radar for nearby towns
- Valentine, NE radar 41 mi
- Ainsworth, NE radar 43 mi