Leola, SD Live Doppler Radar
Live radar for Leola, McPherson County: every NWS radar combined, rain, snow and ice colors, flash-flood risk, storm tracks and official warnings.
What weather hits Leola?
Since 1996, the National Weather Service has logged damaging thunderstorm winds on 71 days in the McPherson forecast zone and McPherson County — the most common reported hazard around Leola, mostly in July and June. Next come high winds (59 days) and heavy snow & winter storms (51 days).
| Hazard | Days reported | Most recent | Worst on record |
|---|---|---|---|
| Damaging thunderstorm winds | 71 | Jun 2026 | — |
| High winds | 59 | Apr 2026 | — |
| Heavy snow & winter storms | 51 | Apr 2026 | Nov 21, 2010 · 1 death |
| Extreme cold & wind chill | 48 | Jan 2026 | — |
| Blizzards | 45 | Feb 2026 | Jan 9, 1997 · 1 death |
| Flooding | 12 | Apr 2023 | Jun 1, 2019 · $4.9 million damage |
| Excessive heat | 8 | Aug 2024 | — |
| Flash flooding | 8 | May 2026 | May 17, 2018 · $54,000 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 McPherson forecast zone and McPherson County; damage is as reported, not adjusted for inflation.
Which radars cover Leola?
The closest NEXRAD Doppler radar is KABR (Aberdeen, SD), about 31 miles 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 Leola | View |
|---|---|---|---|
| KABR Aberdeen, SD | 31 mi southeast | 1,900 ft | Excellent — the lowest scan sees close to the ground |
| KBIS Bismarck, ND | 113 mi northwest | 11,600 ft | Limited — the beam overshoots the lowest part of storms |
| KMVX Grand Forks, ND | 146 mi north-northeast | 17,500 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 Leola
Since 1950, NOAA has recorded 56 tornadoes within 25 miles of Leola, 11 of them EF2/F2 or stronger. Most came in June and July. The strongest was an F4 on June 23, 2002, which passed about 25 miles east of town. The most recent was a tornado of unknown strength on August 5, 2025, which touched down about 2 miles west-southwest of town.
Hail: 268 reports of 1-inch or larger hail within 25 miles since 1955, 37 of them 2 inches or more; the largest was 4.50-inch hail on June 23, 2002.
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 Leola'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.
Leola radar FAQ
Where is the nearest weather radar to Leola, SD?
KABR (Aberdeen, SD), about 31 miles southeast. KBIS (Bismarck, ND) is 113 miles away and also covers the area.
Does radar show snow in Leola?
Yes. TALON colors snow blue, a rain–snow mix pink and freezing rain purple using NOAA's precipitation-type analysis. Over Leola the lowest scan from KABR is about 1,900 ft up.
Is TALON's radar for Leola 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 Leola, follow it right away — see watch vs. warning.
Radar for nearby towns
- Aberdeen, SD radar 29 mi
- Groton, SD radar 45 mi
- Britton, SD radar 57 mi
- Redfield, SD radar 62 mi