Lakeland, TN Live Doppler Radar
Live radar for Lakeland, Shelby County: every NWS radar combined, rain, snow and ice colors, flash-flood risk, storm tracks and official warnings.
What weather hits Lakeland?
Since 1996, the National Weather Service has logged damaging thunderstorm winds on 216 days in the Shelby forecast zone and Shelby County — the most common reported hazard around Lakeland, mostly in June and July. Next come flash flooding (148 days) and excessive heat (132 days).
| Hazard | Days reported | Most recent | Worst on record |
|---|---|---|---|
| Damaging thunderstorm winds | 216 | Apr 2026 | Mar 31, 2023 · 3 deaths · $500,000 damage |
| Flash flooding | 148 | Jun 2026 | May 1, 2010 · 1 death · $29 million damage |
| Excessive heat | 132 | Jun 2026 | Aug 5, 2007 · 14 deaths |
| Heavy snow & winter storms | 35 | Jan 2025 | Dec 13, 2000 · $20,000 damage |
| Lightning casualties & damage | 25 | Jun 2025 | Jun 30, 2017 · 1 death |
| Flooding | 18 | Jun 2025 | Mar 1, 1997 · 1 death · $100,000 damage |
| Extreme cold & wind chill | 14 | Feb 2026 | Jan 14, 2024 · 4 deaths |
| High winds | 11 | Apr 2025 | Mar 29, 2017 · $60,000 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 Shelby forecast zone and Shelby County; damage is as reported, not adjusted for inflation.
How much snow does Lakeland get?
A normal year brings about 2.8 inches of snow to Lakeland, based on NOAA's 1991–2020 climate normals for the Memphis Wfo weather station 10.2 miles away. The snowiest month is usually February (1.1 in).
| Oct | Nov | Dec | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.1 | 0.8 | 1.1 | 0.8 | 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 Lakeland?
The closest NEXRAD Doppler radar is KNQA (Memphis, TN), about 10 miles 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 Lakeland | View |
|---|---|---|---|
| KNQA Memphis, TN | 10 mi northwest | 500 ft | Excellent — the lowest scan sees close to the ground |
| KGWX Columbus AFB, MS | 123 mi southeast | 13,300 ft | Limited — the beam overshoots the lowest part of storms |
| KPAH Paducah, KY | 136 mi north-northeast | 15,400 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 Lakeland
Since 1950, NOAA has recorded 113 tornadoes within 25 miles of Lakeland, 33 of them EF2/F2 or stronger. Most came in May and April. The strongest was an F4 on March 21, 1952, which passed about 23 miles southeast of town and caused 16 deaths. The most recent was an EF3 on March 31, 2023, which passed about 19 miles north-northwest of town.
Hail: 317 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 April 11, 1987.
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 Lakeland'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.
Lakeland radar FAQ
Where is the nearest weather radar to Lakeland, TN?
KNQA (Memphis, TN), about 10 miles northwest. KGWX (Columbus AFB, MS) is 123 miles away and also covers the area.
Does radar show snow in Lakeland?
Yes. TALON colors snow blue, a rain–snow mix pink and freezing rain purple using NOAA's precipitation-type analysis. Over Lakeland the lowest scan from KNQA is about 500 ft up.
Is TALON's radar for Lakeland 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 Lakeland, follow it right away — see watch vs. warning.
Radar for nearby towns
- Arlington, TN radar 4 mi
- Bartlett, TN radar 6 mi
- Oakland, TN radar 11 mi
- Millington, TN radar 11 mi
- Atoka, TN radar 12 mi
- Germantown, TN radar 13 mi
- Munford, TN radar 13 mi
- Mason, TN radar 15 mi
- Collierville, TN radar 15 mi
- Brighton, TN radar 15 mi