Tatum, NM Live Doppler Radar
Live radar for Tatum, Lea County: every NWS radar combined, rain, snow and ice colors, flash-flood risk, storm tracks and official warnings.
What weather hits Tatum?
Since 1996, the National Weather Service has logged damaging thunderstorm winds on 133 days in the Northern Lea County forecast zone and Lea County — the most common reported hazard around Tatum, mostly in June and May. Next come flash flooding (72 days) and high winds (52 days).
| Hazard | Days reported | Most recent | Worst on record |
|---|---|---|---|
| Damaging thunderstorm winds | 133 | Jun 2026 | May 31, 2024 · $2.0 million damage |
| Flash flooding | 72 | Jun 2026 | Aug 1, 2002 · $125,000 damage |
| High winds | 52 | Apr 2026 | Jun 16, 1997 · $300,000 damage |
| Heavy snow & winter storms | 15 | Feb 2015 | — |
| Flooding | 5 | Jul 2025 | Aug 9, 2009 · $4,000 damage |
| Ice storms & sleet | 3 | Dec 2013 | — |
| Extreme cold & wind chill | 3 | Feb 2011 | — |
| Lightning casualties & damage | 3 | May 2013 | Aug 8, 1996 · 2 deaths |
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 Northern Lea County forecast zone and Lea County; damage is as reported, not adjusted for inflation.
How much snow does Tatum get?
A normal year brings about 6.1 inches of snow to Tatum, based on NOAA's 1991–2020 climate normals for the Tatum weather station 3 miles away. The snowiest month is usually December (2.4 in).
| Oct | Nov | Dec | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0.1 | 0.9 | 2.4 | 1.3 | 1.1 | 0.3 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
Normal snowfall in inches. TALON Pro compares this season's snow at your location with these normals as winter goes on.
Which radars cover Tatum?
The closest NEXRAD Doppler radar is KLBB (Lubbock, TX), about 91 miles east-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 Tatum | View |
|---|---|---|---|
| KLBB Lubbock, TX | 91 mi east-northeast | 8,300 ft | Fair — the beam can pass over shallow snow and low-level rotation |
| KFDX Cannon AFB, NM | 97 mi north | 9,200 ft | Fair — the beam can pass over shallow snow and low-level rotation |
| KMAF Midland/Odessa, TX | 112 mi southeast | 11,400 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 Tatum
Since 1950, NOAA has recorded 38 tornadoes within 25 miles of Tatum, 4 of them EF2/F2 or stronger. Most came in May and June. The strongest was an F3 on May 17, 1954, which touched down about 20 miles south of town. The most recent was a tornado of unknown strength on May 27, 2023, which touched down about 13 miles north-northeast of town.
Hail: 127 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 June 6, 2005.
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 Tatum'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.
Tatum radar FAQ
Where is the nearest weather radar to Tatum, NM?
KLBB (Lubbock, TX), about 91 miles east-northeast. KFDX (Cannon AFB, NM) is 97 miles away and also covers the area.
Does radar show snow in Tatum?
Yes. TALON colors snow blue, a rain–snow mix pink and freezing rain purple using NOAA's precipitation-type analysis. Over Tatum the lowest scan from KLBB is about 8,300 ft up, so light snow from shallow clouds can be under-shown — check NWS winter alerts too.
Is TALON's radar for Tatum 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 Tatum, follow it right away — see watch vs. warning.
Radar for nearby towns
- Lovington, NM radar 22 mi
- Hobbs, NM radar 37 mi
- Eunice, NM radar 57 mi
- Dexter, NM radar 61 mi