Cookson, OK Live Doppler Radar
Live radar for Cookson, Cherokee County: every NWS radar combined, rain, snow and ice colors, flash-flood risk, storm tracks and official warnings.
What weather hits Cookson?
Since 1996, the National Weather Service has logged damaging thunderstorm winds on 160 days in the Cherokee forecast zone and Cherokee County — the most common reported hazard around Cookson, mostly in May and August. Next come flash flooding (63 days) and flooding (46 days).
| Hazard | Days reported | Most recent | Worst on record |
|---|---|---|---|
| Damaging thunderstorm winds | 160 | Jun 2026 | Mar 30, 2025 · 1 death · $30,000 damage |
| Flash flooding | 63 | Jun 2026 | Sep 26, 1996 · 4 deaths |
| Flooding | 46 | May 2022 | Apr 25, 2011 · $50,000 damage |
| Heavy snow & winter storms | 35 | Jan 2026 | Jan 26, 2009 · $4.0 million damage |
| Excessive heat | 32 | Aug 2024 | — |
| Wildfires | 22 | Mar 2026 | Jul 27, 2011 · $15,000 damage |
| Ice storms & sleet | 5 | Dec 2013 | Dec 9, 2007 · $15 million damage |
| High winds | 5 | May 2020 | May 15, 2020 · $20,000 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 Cherokee forecast zone and Cherokee County; damage is as reported, not adjusted for inflation.
Which radars cover Cookson?
The closest NEXRAD Doppler radar is KSRX (Fort Smith, AR), about 43 miles southeast. 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 Cookson | View |
|---|---|---|---|
| KSRX Fort Smith, AR | 43 mi southeast | 2,900 ft | Excellent — the lowest scan sees close to the ground |
| KINX Tulsa, OK | 48 mi northwest | 3,400 ft | Good — most storms and steady rain or snow show clearly |
| KSGF Springfield, MO | 134 mi northeast | 15,200 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 Cookson
Since 1950, NOAA has recorded 136 tornadoes within 25 miles of Cookson, 36 of them EF2/F2 or stronger. Most came in May and April. The strongest was an F4 on May 5, 1960, which passed about 19 miles south-southeast of town and caused 16 deaths. The most recent was an EF1 on June 18, 2025, which passed about 15 miles north of town.
Hail: 312 reports of 1-inch or larger hail within 25 miles since 1955, 38 of them 2 inches or more; the largest was 3.00-inch hail on October 2, 2014.
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 Cookson'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.
Cookson radar FAQ
Where is the nearest weather radar to Cookson, OK?
KSRX (Fort Smith, AR), about 43 miles southeast. KINX (Tulsa, OK) is 48 miles away and also covers the area.
Does radar show snow in Cookson?
Yes. TALON colors snow blue, a rain–snow mix pink and freezing rain purple using NOAA's precipitation-type analysis. Over Cookson the lowest scan from KSRX is about 2,900 ft up.
Is TALON's radar for Cookson 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 Cookson, follow it right away — see watch vs. warning.
Radar for nearby towns
- Tahlequah, OK radar 14 mi
- Vian, OK radar 15 mi
- Stilwell, OK radar 17 mi
- Sallisaw, OK radar 19 mi
- Fort Gibson, OK radar 20 mi
- Muskogee, OK radar 25 mi
- Westville, OK radar 27 mi
- Warner, OK radar 27 mi
- Muldrow, OK radar 28 mi
- Wagoner, OK radar 31 mi