Watts Mills, SC Live Doppler Radar
Live radar for Watts Mills, Laurens County: every NWS radar combined, rain, snow and ice colors, flash-flood risk, storm tracks and official warnings.
What weather hits Watts Mills?
Since 1996, the National Weather Service has logged damaging thunderstorm winds on 206 days in the Laurens forecast zone and Laurens County — the most common reported hazard around Watts Mills, mostly in June and July. Next come flash flooding (18 days) and heavy snow & winter storms (17 days).
| Hazard | Days reported | Most recent | Worst on record |
|---|---|---|---|
| Damaging thunderstorm winds | 206 | May 2026 | Jun 16, 2009 · 1 death · $1.2 million damage |
| Flash flooding | 18 | May 2026 | Jul 23, 1997 · $150,000 damage |
| Heavy snow & winter storms | 17 | Jan 2026 | Feb 26, 2004 · $5,000 damage |
| Flooding | 14 | Sep 2024 | Sep 27, 2024 · $10,000 damage |
| High winds | 8 | Sep 2017 | Mar 7, 2004 · 1 death · $10,000 damage |
| Ice storms & sleet | 8 | Feb 2015 | Dec 4, 2002 · $6.0 million damage |
| Extreme cold & wind chill | 7 | Feb 2026 | Dec 29, 2000 · 1 death |
| Lightning casualties & damage | 6 | Jul 2013 | Aug 30, 2006 · $500,000 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 Laurens forecast zone and Laurens County; damage is as reported, not adjusted for inflation.
How much snow does Watts Mills get?
A normal year brings about 1.3 inches of snow to Watts Mills, based on NOAA's 1991–2020 climate normals for the Laurens weather station 2.4 miles away. The snowiest month is usually January (0.5 in).
| Oct | Nov | Dec | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.2 | 0.5 | 0.4 | 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 Watts Mills?
The closest NEXRAD Doppler radar is KGSP (Greer, SC), about 29 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 Watts Mills | View |
|---|---|---|---|
| KGSP Greer, SC | 29 mi north-northwest | 1,700 ft | Excellent — the lowest scan sees close to the ground |
| KCAE Columbia, SC | 63 mi southeast | 4,900 ft | Good — most storms and steady rain or snow show clearly |
| KMRX Knoxville, TN | 139 mi northwest | 16,100 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 Watts Mills
Since 1950, NOAA has recorded 80 tornadoes within 25 miles of Watts Mills, 17 of them EF2/F2 or stronger. Most came in April and May. The strongest was an F4 on March 31, 1973, which passed about 23 miles southwest of town and caused 7 deaths. The most recent was an EF0 on December 29, 2024, which touched down about 14 miles northeast of town.
Hail: 213 reports of 1-inch or larger hail within 25 miles since 1955, 16 of them 2 inches or more; the largest was 3.00-inch hail on May 23, 2014.
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 Watts Mills'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.
Watts Mills radar FAQ
Where is the nearest weather radar to Watts Mills, SC?
KGSP (Greer, SC), about 29 miles north-northwest. KCAE (Columbia, SC) is 63 miles away and also covers the area.
Does radar show snow in Watts Mills?
Yes. TALON colors snow blue, a rain–snow mix pink and freezing rain purple using NOAA's precipitation-type analysis. Over Watts Mills the lowest scan from KGSP is about 1,700 ft up.
Is TALON's radar for Watts Mills 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 Watts Mills, follow it right away — see watch vs. warning.
Radar for nearby towns
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