South Russell, OH Live Doppler Radar
Live radar for South Russell, Geauga County: every NWS radar combined, rain, snow and ice colors, flash-flood risk, storm tracks and official warnings.
What weather hits South Russell?
Since 1996, the National Weather Service has logged heavy snow or a winter storm on 173 days in the Geauga forecast zone and Geauga County — the most common reported hazard around South Russell, mostly in January and December. Next come damaging thunderstorm winds (139 days) and high winds (50 days).
| Hazard | Days reported | Most recent | Worst on record |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heavy snow & winter storms | 173 | Nov 2025 | Nov 9, 1996 · $3.0 million damage |
| Damaging thunderstorm winds | 139 | Jun 2026 | Jul 31, 1999 · 1 death · $400,000 damage |
| High winds | 50 | Apr 2024 | Dec 11, 2021 · 1 death · $20,000 damage |
| Flash flooding | 26 | Aug 2024 | May 31, 2010 · $4.5 million damage |
| Extreme cold & wind chill | 11 | Dec 2022 | Apr 29, 2012 · $1.0 million damage |
| Lightning casualties & damage | 5 | Jul 1999 | Jun 11, 1996 · $200,000 damage |
| Flooding | 3 | Aug 2005 | Jan 1, 2005 · $250,000 damage |
| Excessive heat | 2 | Jul 1999 | — |
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 Geauga forecast zone and Geauga County; damage is as reported, not adjusted for inflation.
How much snow does South Russell get?
A normal year brings about 114 inches of snow to South Russell, based on NOAA's 1991–2020 climate normals for the Chardon weather station 12.7 miles away. The snowiest month is usually January (34.4 in).
| Oct | Nov | Dec | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0.6 | 9.3 | 25.5 | 34.4 | 23.4 | 16.5 | 4.0 | 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 South Russell?
The closest NEXRAD Doppler radar is KCLE (Cleveland, OH), about 28 miles west. 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 South Russell | View |
|---|---|---|---|
| KCLE Cleveland, OH | 28 mi west | 1,700 ft | Excellent — the lowest scan sees close to the ground |
| KPBZ Pittsburgh, PA | 85 mi southeast | 7,500 ft | Fair — the beam can pass over shallow snow and low-level rotation |
| KDTX Detroit, MI | 141 mi northwest | 16,400 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 South Russell
Since 1950, NOAA has recorded 66 tornadoes within 25 miles of South Russell, 17 of them EF2/F2 or stronger. Most came in August and May. The strongest was an F5 on May 31, 1985, which passed about 19 miles south-southeast of town and caused 18 deaths. The most recent was an EF0 on August 12, 2025, which touched down about 15 miles east-northeast of town.
Hail: 328 reports of 1-inch or larger hail within 25 miles since 1955, 18 of them 2 inches or more; the largest was 2.75-inch hail on May 16, 1965.
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 South Russell'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.
South Russell radar FAQ
Where is the nearest weather radar to South Russell, OH?
KCLE (Cleveland, OH), about 28 miles west. KPBZ (Pittsburgh, PA) is 85 miles away and also covers the area.
Does radar show snow in South Russell?
Yes. TALON colors snow blue, a rain–snow mix pink and freezing rain purple using NOAA's precipitation-type analysis. Over South Russell the lowest scan from KCLE is about 1,700 ft up.
Is TALON's radar for South Russell 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 South Russell, follow it right away — see watch vs. warning.