Mitchell, OR Live Doppler Radar
Live radar for Mitchell, Wheeler County: every NWS radar combined, rain, snow and ice colors, flash-flood risk, storm tracks and official warnings.
What weather hits Mitchell?
Since 1996, the National Weather Service has logged heavy snow or a winter storm on 21 days in the John Day Basin forecast zone and Wheeler County — the most common reported hazard around Mitchell, mostly in January and February. Next come wildfires (10 days) and flooding (7 days).
| Hazard | Days reported | Most recent | Worst on record |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heavy snow & winter storms | 21 | Jan 2024 | — |
| Wildfires | 10 | Aug 2018 | — |
| Flooding | 7 | May 2020 | Apr 9, 2019 · $1.0 million damage |
| Flash flooding | 6 | Apr 2019 | Jun 4, 2007 · $6,000 damage |
| High winds | 5 | Feb 2015 | — |
| Damaging thunderstorm winds | 5 | Jun 2016 | Aug 4, 2003 · $1,000 damage |
| Excessive heat | 3 | Jun 2021 | — |
| Lightning casualties & damage | 2 | Jul 2001 | May 14, 1997 · 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 John Day Basin forecast zone and Wheeler County; damage is as reported, not adjusted for inflation.
Which radars cover Mitchell?
The closest NEXRAD Doppler radar is KPDT (Pendleton, OR), about 100 miles northeast. 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 Mitchell | View |
|---|---|---|---|
| KPDT Pendleton, OR | 100 mi northeast | 9,600 ft | Fair — the beam can pass over shallow snow and low-level rotation |
| KRTX Portland, OR | 158 mi west-northwest | 19,800 ft | Limited — the beam overshoots the lowest part of storms |
| KCBX Boise, ID | 209 mi east-southeast | 31,300 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 Mitchell
Since 1950, NOAA has recorded 1 tornado within 25 miles of Mitchell. The strongest was an EF0 on June 8, 2016, which touched down about 10 miles east-southeast of town.
Hail: 7 reports of 1-inch or larger hail within 25 miles since 1955; the largest was 1.75-inch hail on June 8, 2016.
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 Mitchell'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.
Mitchell radar FAQ
Where is the nearest weather radar to Mitchell, OR?
KPDT (Pendleton, OR), about 100 miles northeast. KRTX (Portland, OR) is 158 miles away and also covers the area.
Does radar show snow in Mitchell?
Yes. TALON colors snow blue, a rain–snow mix pink and freezing rain purple using NOAA's precipitation-type analysis. Over Mitchell the lowest scan from KPDT is about 9,600 ft up, so light snow from shallow clouds can be under-shown — check NWS winter alerts too.
Is TALON's radar for Mitchell 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 Mitchell, follow it right away — see watch vs. warning.
Radar for nearby towns
- Prineville, OR radar 40 mi
- Madras, OR radar 50 mi
- Metolius, OR radar 50 mi
- Culver, OR radar 52 mi
- Redmond, OR radar 55 mi
- John Day, OR radar 60 mi
- Heppner, OR radar 61 mi