Empire, NV Live Doppler Radar
Live radar for Empire, Washoe County: every NWS radar combined, rain, snow and ice colors, flash-flood risk, storm tracks and official warnings.
What weather hits Empire?
Since 1996, the National Weather Service has logged damaging thunderstorm winds on 36 days in the Northern Washoe County forecast zone and Washoe County — the most common reported hazard around Empire, mostly in July and August. Next come flash flooding (26 days) and flooding (18 days).
| Hazard | Days reported | Most recent | Worst on record |
|---|---|---|---|
| Damaging thunderstorm winds | 36 | Jun 2026 | Jul 13, 2002 · $5,000 damage |
| Flash flooding | 26 | Jun 2026 | Jun 19, 2026 · $5.0 million damage |
| Flooding | 18 | Jul 2024 | Jan 8, 2017 · $7.0 million damage |
| High winds | 13 | Dec 2025 | Dec 14, 2002 · $180,000 damage |
| Lightning casualties & damage | 5 | Jun 2013 | Jun 28, 2013 · $300,000 damage |
| Heavy snow & winter storms | 4 | Jan 2017 | Nov 28, 1996 · $10,000 damage |
| Debris flows | 3 | Jul 2025 | Jul 30, 2025 · $20,000 damage |
| Extreme cold & wind chill | 1 | Jan 1997 | — |
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 Washoe County forecast zone and Washoe County; damage is as reported, not adjusted for inflation.
How much snow does Empire get?
A normal year brings about 13 inches of snow to Empire, based on NOAA's 1991–2020 climate normals for the Gerlach weather station 5.3 miles away. The snowiest month is usually December (4.9 in).
| Oct | Nov | Dec | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0.0 | 1.5 | 4.9 | 3.3 | 1.4 | 1.4 | 0.5 | 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 Empire?
The closest NEXRAD Doppler radar is KRGX (Reno, NV), about 57 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 Empire | View |
|---|---|---|---|
| KRGX Reno, NV | 57 mi south | 4,300 ft | Good — most storms and steady rain or snow show clearly |
| KLRX Elko, NV | 134 mi east | 15,100 ft | Limited — the beam overshoots the lowest part of storms |
| KBBX Beale AFB, CA | 142 mi west-southwest | 16,700 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 Empire
NOAA has no tornado on record within 25 miles of Empire since 1950.
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 Empire'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.
Empire radar FAQ
Where is the nearest weather radar to Empire, NV?
KRGX (Reno, NV), about 57 miles south. KLRX (Elko, NV) is 134 miles away and also covers the area.
Can radar see a tornado near Empire?
Radar can't see the tornado itself, but it shows the rotating storm and, once debris is lofted, a debris signature. Over Empire the lowest scan from KRGX is about 4,300 ft up — good — most storms and steady rain or snow show clearly.
Is TALON's radar for Empire 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 Empire, follow it right away — see watch vs. warning.
Radar for nearby towns
- Lovelock, NV radar 53 mi