Elgin, OR Live Doppler Radar
Live radar for Elgin, Union County: every NWS radar combined, rain, snow and ice colors, flash-flood risk, storm tracks and official warnings.
What weather hits Elgin?
Since 1996, the National Weather Service has logged high winds on 63 days in the Grande Ronde Valley forecast zone and Union County — the most common reported hazard around Elgin, mostly in December and January. Next come heavy snow & winter storms (40 days) and damaging thunderstorm winds (16 days).
| Hazard | Days reported | Most recent | Worst on record |
|---|---|---|---|
| High winds | 63 | Dec 2023 | Dec 15, 2000 · $150,000 damage |
| Heavy snow & winter storms | 40 | Jan 2024 | Feb 12, 2000 · 1 death · $20,000 damage |
| Damaging thunderstorm winds | 16 | Jun 2021 | Jul 19, 2004 · $300,000 damage |
| Lightning casualties & damage | 11 | Aug 2006 | Aug 13, 1999 · $46,000 damage |
| Blizzards | 8 | Dec 2019 | Dec 12, 2001 · $100,000 damage |
| Excessive heat | 7 | Jul 2023 | — |
| Flooding | 7 | May 2020 | May 15, 2011 · $2.0 million damage |
| Extreme cold & wind chill | 6 | Feb 2025 | Jan 5, 2004 · 1 death |
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 Grande Ronde Valley forecast zone and Union County; damage is as reported, not adjusted for inflation.
Which radars cover Elgin?
The closest NEXRAD Doppler radar is KPDT (Pendleton, OR), about 46 miles west-northwest. 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 Elgin | View |
|---|---|---|---|
| KPDT Pendleton, OR | 46 mi west-northwest | 3,200 ft | Good — most storms and steady rain or snow show clearly |
| KOTX Spokane, WA | 147 mi north | 17,600 ft | Limited — the beam overshoots the lowest part of storms |
| KCBX Boise, ID | 166 mi south-southeast | 21,400 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 Elgin
Since 1950, NOAA has recorded 3 tornadoes within 25 miles of Elgin. Most came in May and June. The strongest was an EF1 on May 6, 2022, which touched down about 22 miles northwest of town.
Hail: 61 reports of 1-inch or larger hail within 25 miles since 1955, 2 of them 2 inches or more; the largest was 2.50-inch hail on August 11, 2022.
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 Elgin'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.
Elgin radar FAQ
Where is the nearest weather radar to Elgin, OR?
KPDT (Pendleton, OR), about 46 miles west-northwest. KOTX (Spokane, WA) is 147 miles away and also covers the area.
Does radar show snow in Elgin?
Yes. TALON colors snow blue, a rain–snow mix pink and freezing rain purple using NOAA's precipitation-type analysis. Over Elgin the lowest scan from KPDT is about 3,200 ft up.
Is TALON's radar for Elgin 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 Elgin, follow it right away — see watch vs. warning.
Radar for nearby towns
- Island City, OR radar 17 mi
- La Grande, OR radar 18 mi
- Union, OR radar 25 mi
- Athena, OR radar 33 mi
- Enterprise, OR radar 33 mi
- Milton-Freewater, OR radar 34 mi
- Joseph, OR radar 37 mi
- Pendleton, OR radar 44 mi
- Pilot Rock, OR radar 44 mi
- Baker City, OR radar 55 mi