South Union, SC Live Doppler Radar
Live radar for South Union, Oconee County: every NWS radar combined, rain, snow and ice colors, flash-flood risk, storm tracks and official warnings.
What weather hits South Union?
Since 1996, the National Weather Service has logged damaging thunderstorm winds on 211 days in the Greater Oconee forecast zone and Oconee County — the most common reported hazard around South Union, mostly in June and July. Next come flash flooding (21 days) and lightning casualties & damage (12 days).
| Hazard | Days reported | Most recent | Worst on record |
|---|---|---|---|
| Damaging thunderstorm winds | 211 | Jun 2026 | Feb 21, 1997 · $130,000 damage |
| Flash flooding | 21 | Jan 2024 | Feb 6, 2020 · $400,000 damage |
| Lightning casualties & damage | 12 | Jul 2017 | Jul 27, 2008 · $500,000 damage |
| Flooding | 5 | Sep 2022 | Feb 6, 2020 · $40,000 damage |
| Extreme cold & wind chill | 2 | Feb 2026 | — |
| Heavy snow & winter storms | 2 | Jan 2026 | — |
| Hurricanes & tropical storms | 1 | Sep 2024 | Sep 27, 2024 · $3,000 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 Oconee forecast zone and Oconee County; damage is as reported, not adjusted for inflation.
How much snow does South Union get?
A normal year brings about 2.2 inches of snow to South Union, based on NOAA's 1991–2020 climate normals for the Walhalla weather station 13.5 miles away. The snowiest month is usually January (0.8 in).
| Oct | Nov | Dec | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.5 | 0.8 | 0.7 | 0.2 | 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 South Union?
The closest NEXRAD Doppler radar is KGSP (Greer, SC), about 52 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 South Union | View |
|---|---|---|---|
| KGSP Greer, SC | 52 mi east-northeast | 3,800 ft | Good — most storms and steady rain or snow show clearly |
| KMRX Knoxville, TN | 113 mi north | 11,600 ft | Limited — the beam overshoots the lowest part of storms |
| KCAE Columbia, SC | 118 mi east-southeast | 12,400 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 South Union
Since 1950, NOAA has recorded 105 tornadoes within 25 miles of South Union, 26 of them EF2/F2 or stronger. Most came in April and May. The strongest was an EF3 on April 13, 2020, which passed about 4 miles north-northwest of town and caused 1 death. The most recent was an EF0 on August 3, 2023, which passed about 18 miles south-southwest of town.
Hail: 285 reports of 1-inch or larger hail within 25 miles since 1955, 17 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 South Union'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.
South Union radar FAQ
Where is the nearest weather radar to South Union, SC?
KGSP (Greer, SC), about 52 miles east-northeast. KMRX (Knoxville, TN) is 113 miles away and also covers the area.
Can radar see a tornado near South Union?
Radar can't see the tornado itself, but it shows the rotating storm and, once debris is lofted, a debris signature. Over South Union the lowest scan from KGSP is about 3,800 ft up — good — most storms and steady rain or snow show clearly.
Is TALON's radar for South Union 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 South Union, follow it right away — see watch vs. warning.
Radar for nearby towns
- Westminster, SC radar 8 mi
- Seneca, SC radar 10 mi
- Walhalla, SC radar 15 mi
- Clemson, SC radar 16 mi
- Pendleton, SC radar 16 mi
- Central, SC radar 19 mi
- Anderson, SC radar 23 mi
- Liberty, SC radar 26 mi
- Iva, SC radar 28 mi
- Pickens, SC radar 30 mi