Central, SC Live Doppler Radar
Live radar for Central, Pickens County: every NWS radar combined, rain, snow and ice colors, flash-flood risk, storm tracks and official warnings.
What weather hits Central?
Since 1996, the National Weather Service has logged damaging thunderstorm winds on 198 days in the Greater Pickens forecast zone and Pickens County — the most common reported hazard around Central, mostly in June and July. Next come flash flooding (25 days) and flooding (7 days).
| Hazard | Days reported | Most recent | Worst on record |
|---|---|---|---|
| Damaging thunderstorm winds | 198 | Jun 2026 | Jul 18, 2019 · 2 deaths · $50,000 damage |
| Flash flooding | 25 | Sep 2024 | Aug 6, 2013 · 1 death · $50,000 damage |
| Flooding | 7 | Sep 2024 | Feb 6, 2020 · $500,000 damage |
| Lightning casualties & damage | 6 | Mar 2010 | Jan 23, 1999 · $30,000 damage |
| Extreme cold & wind chill | 2 | Feb 2026 | — |
| Heavy snow & winter storms | 2 | Jan 2026 | — |
| Hurricanes & tropical storms | 1 | Sep 2024 | Sep 27, 2024 · $7,000 damage |
| Ice storms & sleet | 1 | Jan 2026 | — |
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 Greater Pickens forecast zone and Pickens County; damage is as reported, not adjusted for inflation.
How much snow does Central get?
A normal year brings about 2.2 inches of snow to Central, based on NOAA's 1991–2020 climate normals for the Clemson Univ weather station 5.2 miles away. The snowiest month is usually January (0.8 in).
| Oct | Nov | Dec | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.3 | 0.8 | 0.8 | 0.3 | 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 Central?
The closest NEXRAD Doppler radar is KGSP (Greer, SC), about 33 miles east-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 Central | View |
|---|---|---|---|
| KGSP Greer, SC | 33 mi east-northeast | 2,100 ft | Excellent — the lowest scan sees close to the ground |
| KMRX Knoxville, TN | 106 mi north-northwest | 10,500 ft | Limited — the beam overshoots the lowest part of storms |
| KCAE Columbia, SC | 109 mi east-southeast | 10,900 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 Central
Since 1950, NOAA has recorded 106 tornadoes within 25 miles of Central, 23 of them EF2/F2 or stronger. Most came in April and May. The strongest was an EF3 on April 13, 2020, which passed about 3 miles west-northwest of town and caused 1 death. The most recent was an EF0 on May 3, 2025, which touched down about 11 miles east-northeast of town.
Hail: 363 reports of 1-inch or larger hail within 25 miles since 1955, 15 of them 2 inches or more; the largest was 4.00-inch hail on April 8, 1957.
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 Central'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.
Central radar FAQ
Where is the nearest weather radar to Central, SC?
KGSP (Greer, SC), about 33 miles east-northeast. KMRX (Knoxville, TN) is 106 miles away and also covers the area.
Can radar see a tornado near Central?
Radar can't see the tornado itself, but it shows the rotating storm and, once debris is lofted, a debris signature. Over Central the lowest scan from KGSP is about 2,100 ft up — excellent — the lowest scan sees close to the ground.
Is TALON's radar for Central 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 Central, follow it right away — see watch vs. warning.
Radar for nearby towns
- Clemson, SC radar 3 mi
- Pendleton, SC radar 6 mi
- Liberty, SC radar 6 mi
- Seneca, SC radar 11 mi
- Pickens, SC radar 12 mi
- Easley, SC radar 13 mi
- Anderson, SC radar 16 mi
- Walhalla, SC radar 16 mi
- West Pelzer, SC radar 18 mi
- Williamston, SC radar 18 mi