Plainview, TN Live Doppler Radar
Live radar for Plainview, Union County: every NWS radar combined, rain, snow and ice colors, flash-flood risk, storm tracks and official warnings.
What weather hits Plainview?
Since 1996, the National Weather Service has logged damaging thunderstorm winds on 132 days in the Union forecast zone and Union County — the most common reported hazard around Plainview, mostly in June and July. Next come heavy snow & winter storms (30 days) and flooding (11 days).
| Hazard | Days reported | Most recent | Worst on record |
|---|---|---|---|
| Damaging thunderstorm winds | 132 | Aug 2024 | Oct 24, 2001 · $36,000 damage |
| Heavy snow & winter storms | 30 | Jan 2026 | — |
| Flooding | 11 | Feb 2023 | Feb 28, 2011 · $1.5 million damage |
| Flash flooding | 6 | Feb 2019 | — |
| Ice storms & sleet | 4 | Mar 2014 | Dec 16, 2010 · $20,000 damage |
| Hurricanes & tropical storms | 1 | Sep 2004 | Sep 17, 2004 · $15,000 damage |
| High winds | 1 | Dec 2006 | Dec 1, 2006 · $25,000 damage |
| Lightning casualties & damage | 1 | Jun 2009 | — |
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 Union forecast zone and Union County; damage is as reported, not adjusted for inflation.
Which radars cover Plainview?
The closest NEXRAD Doppler radar is KMRX (Knoxville, TN), about 22 miles east. 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 Plainview | View |
|---|---|---|---|
| KMRX Knoxville, TN | 22 mi east | 1,200 ft | Excellent — the lowest scan sees close to the ground |
| KJKL Jackson, KY | 101 mi north-northeast | 9,800 ft | Fair — the beam can pass over shallow snow and low-level rotation |
| KGSP Greer, SC | 126 mi southeast | 13,700 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 Plainview
Since 1950, NOAA has recorded 43 tornadoes within 25 miles of Plainview, 8 of them EF2/F2 or stronger. Most came in April and May. The strongest was an F3 on February 21, 1993, which passed about 11 miles west-southwest of town. The most recent was an EF1 on February 6, 2025, which passed about 22 miles east-northeast of town.
Hail: 225 reports of 1-inch or larger hail within 25 miles since 1955, 19 of them 2 inches or more; the largest was 3.50-inch hail on April 28, 1959.
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 Plainview'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.
Plainview radar FAQ
Where is the nearest weather radar to Plainview, TN?
KMRX (Knoxville, TN), about 22 miles east. KJKL (Jackson, KY) is 101 miles away and also covers the area.
Does radar show snow in Plainview?
Yes. TALON colors snow blue, a rain–snow mix pink and freezing rain purple using NOAA's precipitation-type analysis. Over Plainview the lowest scan from KMRX is about 1,200 ft up.
Is TALON's radar for Plainview 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 Plainview, follow it right away — see watch vs. warning.
Radar for nearby towns
- Luttrell, TN radar 3 mi
- Maynardville, TN radar 5 mi
- Blaine, TN radar 6 mi
- New Market, TN radar 14 mi
- Norris, TN radar 15 mi
- Rutledge, TN radar 16 mi
- Knoxville, TN radar 17 mi
- Jefferson City, TN radar 18 mi
- Clinton, TN radar 20 mi
- Rocky Top, TN radar 20 mi