California, PA Live Doppler Radar
Live radar for California, Washington County: every NWS radar combined, rain, snow and ice colors, flash-flood risk, storm tracks and official warnings.
What weather hits California?
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 California, 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.
How much snow does California get?
A normal year brings about 10 inches of snow to California, based on NOAA's 1991–2020 climate normals for the Charleroi Lock 4 weather station 5.6 miles away. The snowiest month is usually January (3.8 in).
| Oct | Nov | Dec | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0.0 | 0.2 | 1.5 | 3.8 | 2.7 | 2.1 | 0.0 | 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 California?
The closest NEXRAD Doppler radar is KPBZ (Pittsburgh, PA), about 36 miles north-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 California | View |
|---|---|---|---|
| KPBZ Pittsburgh, PA | 36 mi north-northwest | 2,300 ft | Excellent — the lowest scan sees close to the ground |
| KCCX State College, PA | 116 mi east-northeast | 12,100 ft | Limited — the beam overshoots the lowest part of storms |
| KCLE Cleveland, OH | 138 mi northwest | 15,900 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 California
Since 1950, NOAA has recorded 57 tornadoes within 25 miles of California, 13 of them EF2/F2 or stronger. Most came in June and May. The strongest was an F3 on August 3, 1963, which touched down about 18 miles north of town and caused 2 deaths. The most recent was an EF1 on May 21, 2025, which passed about 14 miles north-northwest of town.
Hail: 250 reports of 1-inch or larger hail within 25 miles since 1955, 15 of them 2 inches or more; the largest was 3.00-inch hail on July 20, 1983.
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 California'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.
California radar FAQ
Where is the nearest weather radar to California, PA?
KPBZ (Pittsburgh, PA), about 36 miles north-northwest. KCCX (State College, PA) is 116 miles away and also covers the area.
Does radar show snow in California?
Yes. TALON colors snow blue, a rain–snow mix pink and freezing rain purple using NOAA's precipitation-type analysis. Over California the lowest scan from KPBZ is about 2,300 ft up.
Is TALON's radar for California 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 California, follow it right away — see watch vs. warning.