Olar, SC Live Doppler Radar
Live radar for Olar, Bamberg County: every NWS radar combined, rain, snow and ice colors, flash-flood risk, storm tracks and official warnings.
What weather hits Olar?
Since 1996, the National Weather Service has logged damaging thunderstorm winds on 113 days in the Bamberg forecast zone and Bamberg County — the most common reported hazard around Olar, mostly in June and July. Next come flash flooding (10 days) and ice storms & sleet (5 days).
| Hazard | Days reported | Most recent | Worst on record |
|---|---|---|---|
| Damaging thunderstorm winds | 113 | Jul 2025 | Aug 22, 2007 · $5.5 million damage |
| Flash flooding | 10 | Jul 2025 | Sep 26, 2024 · $10,000 damage |
| Ice storms & sleet | 5 | Feb 2014 | — |
| Heavy snow & winter storms | 5 | Jan 2025 | Jan 28, 2014 · $12,000 damage |
| High winds | 4 | Sep 2017 | Oct 8, 2016 · $100,000 damage |
| Hurricanes & tropical storms | 4 | Sep 2024 | Sep 27, 2024 · $4.6 million damage |
| Lightning casualties & damage | 1 | Aug 1997 | Aug 16, 1997 · $15,000 damage |
| Flooding | 1 | May 2016 | — |
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 Bamberg forecast zone and Bamberg County; damage is as reported, not adjusted for inflation.
Which radars cover Olar?
The closest NEXRAD Doppler radar is KCLX (Charleston, SC), about 37 miles south-southeast. 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 Olar | View |
|---|---|---|---|
| KCLX Charleston, SC | 37 mi south-southeast | 2,400 ft | Excellent — the lowest scan sees close to the ground |
| KCAE Columbia, SC | 53 mi north | 3,900 ft | Good — most storms and steady rain or snow show clearly |
| KJGX Robins AFB, GA | 130 mi west-southwest | 14,500 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 Olar
Since 1950, NOAA has recorded 104 tornadoes within 25 miles of Olar, 23 of them EF2/F2 or stronger. Most came in April and September. The strongest was an EF3 on April 13, 2020, which passed about 15 miles northwest of town and caused 2 deaths. The most recent was an EF0 on March 16, 2025, which touched down about 14 miles west-northwest of town.
Hail: 157 reports of 1-inch or larger hail within 25 miles since 1955, 7 of them 2 inches or more; the largest was 3.00-inch hail on May 20, 2008.
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 Olar'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.
Olar radar FAQ
Where is the nearest weather radar to Olar, SC?
KCLX (Charleston, SC), about 37 miles south-southeast. KCAE (Columbia, SC) is 53 miles away and also covers the area.
Does radar show snow in Olar?
Yes. TALON colors snow blue, a rain–snow mix pink and freezing rain purple using NOAA's precipitation-type analysis. Over Olar the lowest scan from KCLX is about 2,400 ft up.
Is TALON's radar for Olar 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 Olar, follow it right away — see watch vs. warning.
Radar for nearby towns
- Denmark, SC radar 10 mi
- Barnwell, SC radar 11 mi
- Bamberg, SC radar 12 mi
- Blackville, SC radar 13 mi
- Allendale, SC radar 14 mi
- Fairfax, SC radar 16 mi
- Williston, SC radar 21 mi
- Hampton, SC radar 22 mi
- Varnville, SC radar 23 mi
- Orangeburg, SC radar 28 mi