Vanderwagen, NM Live Doppler Radar
Live radar for Vanderwagen, McKinley County: every NWS radar combined, rain, snow and ice colors, flash-flood risk, storm tracks and official warnings.
What weather hits Vanderwagen?
Since 1996, the National Weather Service has logged flash flooding on 42 days in the West Central Plateau forecast zone and McKinley County — the most common reported hazard around Vanderwagen, mostly in July and August. Next come high winds (32 days) and damaging thunderstorm winds (19 days).
| Hazard | Days reported | Most recent | Worst on record |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flash flooding | 42 | Sep 2025 | Jul 11, 2008 · 3 deaths · $40,000 damage |
| High winds | 32 | Jun 2026 | Apr 22, 2022 · $25,000 damage |
| Damaging thunderstorm winds | 19 | Jun 2026 | Dec 15, 2021 · $150,000 damage |
| Heavy snow & winter storms | 7 | Jan 2024 | — |
| Extreme cold & wind chill | 2 | Jan 2025 | Dec 27, 1997 · 1 death |
| Dust storms | 1 | Apr 2022 | — |
| Lightning casualties & damage | 1 | Aug 1997 | — |
| Flooding | 1 | Sep 2013 | Sep 13, 2013 · $100,000 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 West Central Plateau forecast zone and McKinley County; damage is as reported, not adjusted for inflation.
Which radars cover Vanderwagen?
The closest NEXRAD Doppler radar is KABX (Albuquerque, NM), about 109 miles east. 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 Vanderwagen | View |
|---|---|---|---|
| KABX Albuquerque, NM | 109 mi east | 10,900 ft | Limited — the beam overshoots the lowest part of storms |
| KFSX Flagstaff, AZ | 147 mi west-southwest | 17,600 ft | Limited — the beam overshoots the lowest part of storms |
| KHDX Holloman AFB, NM | 213 mi southeast | 32,600 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 Vanderwagen
Since 1950, NOAA has recorded 1 tornado within 25 miles of Vanderwagen.
Hail: 2 reports of 1-inch or larger hail within 25 miles since 1955; the largest was 1.00-inch hail on September 21, 1997.
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 Vanderwagen'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.
Vanderwagen radar FAQ
Where is the nearest weather radar to Vanderwagen, NM?
KABX (Albuquerque, NM), about 109 miles east. KFSX (Flagstaff, AZ) is 147 miles away and also covers the area.
Does radar show snow in Vanderwagen?
Yes. TALON colors snow blue, a rain–snow mix pink and freezing rain purple using NOAA's precipitation-type analysis. Over Vanderwagen the lowest scan from KABX is about 10,900 ft up, so light snow from shallow clouds can be under-shown — check NWS winter alerts too.
Is TALON's radar for Vanderwagen 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 Vanderwagen, follow it right away — see watch vs. warning.
Radar for nearby towns
- Gallup, NM radar 17 mi
- Milan, NM radar 48 mi
- Grants, NM radar 52 mi