Avella, PA Live Doppler Radar
Live radar for Avella, Washington County: every NWS radar combined, rain, snow and ice colors, flash-flood risk, storm tracks and official warnings.
What weather hits Avella?
Since 1996, the National Weather Service has logged damaging thunderstorm winds on 228 days in the Washington forecast zone and Washington County — the most common reported hazard around Avella, mostly in June and July. Next come flash flooding (67 days) and flooding (52 days).
| Hazard | Days reported | Most recent | Worst on record |
|---|---|---|---|
| Damaging thunderstorm winds | 228 | Jun 2026 | Aug 12, 2023 · $250,000 damage |
| Flash flooding | 67 | Jul 2025 | May 19, 1997 · 1 death |
| Flooding | 52 | Apr 2024 | Sep 17, 2004 · $5.1 million damage |
| Heavy snow & winter storms | 29 | Jan 2026 | — |
| High winds | 21 | Mar 2026 | Sep 14, 2008 · $150,000 damage |
| Extreme cold & wind chill | 11 | Jan 2026 | — |
| Ice storms & sleet | 8 | Dec 2012 | — |
| Lightning casualties & damage | 8 | Jul 2011 | Jun 24, 1996 · $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 Washington forecast zone and Washington County; damage is as reported, not adjusted for inflation.
Which radars cover Avella?
The closest NEXRAD Doppler radar is KPBZ (Pittsburgh, PA), about 22 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 Avella | View |
|---|---|---|---|
| KPBZ Pittsburgh, PA | 22 mi northeast | 1,300 ft | Excellent — the lowest scan sees close to the ground |
| KCLE Cleveland, OH | 107 mi northwest | 10,700 ft | Limited — the beam overshoots the lowest part of storms |
| KCCX State College, PA | 137 mi east-northeast | 15,700 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 Avella
Since 1950, NOAA has recorded 44 tornadoes within 25 miles of Avella, 7 of them EF2/F2 or stronger. Most came in June and May. The strongest was an EF2 on May 7, 2024, which passed about 20 miles north of town. The most recent was an EF0 on May 21, 2025, which touched down about 5 miles east-southeast of town.
Hail: 274 reports of 1-inch or larger hail within 25 miles since 1955, 19 of them 2 inches or more; the largest was 3.00-inch hail on August 12, 2023.
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 Avella'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.
Avella radar FAQ
Where is the nearest weather radar to Avella, PA?
KPBZ (Pittsburgh, PA), about 22 miles northeast. KCLE (Cleveland, OH) is 107 miles away and also covers the area.
Does radar show snow in Avella?
Yes. TALON colors snow blue, a rain–snow mix pink and freezing rain purple using NOAA's precipitation-type analysis. Over Avella the lowest scan from KPBZ is about 1,300 ft up.
Is TALON's radar for Avella 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 Avella, follow it right away — see watch vs. warning.
Radar for nearby towns
- Burgettstown, PA radar 8 mi
- Washington, PA radar 14 mi
- Houston, PA radar 14 mi
- McDonald, PA radar 14 mi
- East Washington, PA radar 14 mi
- Canonsburg, PA radar 15 mi
- Oakdale, PA radar 17 mi
- Bridgeville, PA radar 20 mi
- Heidelberg, PA radar 21 mi
- Carnegie, PA radar 22 mi