China, TX Live Doppler Radar
Live radar for China, Jefferson County: every NWS radar combined, rain, snow and ice colors, flash-flood risk, storm tracks and official warnings.
What weather hits China?
Since 1996, the National Weather Service has logged damaging thunderstorm winds on 99 days in the Upper Jefferson forecast zone and Jefferson County — the most common reported hazard around China, mostly in August and May. Next come flash flooding (97 days) and lightning casualties & damage (13 days).
| Hazard | Days reported | Most recent | Worst on record |
|---|---|---|---|
| Damaging thunderstorm winds | 99 | May 2026 | Aug 14, 1998 · 1 death · $75,000 damage |
| Flash flooding | 97 | Jun 2026 | Aug 27, 2017 · 5 deaths · $3.0 billion damage |
| Lightning casualties & damage | 13 | Jun 2025 | Jul 23, 2009 · 1 death · $5,000 damage |
| Flooding | 8 | Sep 2017 | Jul 30, 1997 · $20,000 damage |
| Excessive heat | 1 | Aug 2023 | — |
| Heavy snow & winter storms | 1 | Jan 2025 | — |
| Wildfires | 1 | Aug 2003 | — |
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 Upper Jefferson forecast zone and Jefferson County; damage is as reported, not adjusted for inflation.
Which radars cover China?
The closest NEXRAD Doppler radar is KHGX (Houston, TX), about 59 miles southwest. 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 China | View |
|---|---|---|---|
| KHGX Houston, TX | 59 mi southwest | 4,500 ft | Good — most storms and steady rain or snow show clearly |
| KLCH Lake Charles, LA | 67 mi east | 5,400 ft | Good — most storms and steady rain or snow show clearly |
| KPOE Fort Polk, LA | 112 mi northeast | 11,400 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 China
Since 1950, NOAA has recorded 125 tornadoes within 25 miles of China, 27 of them EF2/F2 or stronger. Most came in October and May. The strongest was an F3 on October 28, 1974, which passed about 20 miles south of town and caused 1 death. The most recent was an EF3 on December 28, 2024, which passed about 20 miles south-southeast of town.
Hail: 149 reports of 1-inch or larger hail within 25 miles since 1955, 8 of them 2 inches or more; the largest was 4.00-inch hail on May 6, 1969.
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 China'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.
China radar FAQ
Where is the nearest weather radar to China, TX?
KHGX (Houston, TX), about 59 miles southwest. KLCH (Lake Charles, LA) is 67 miles away and also covers the area.
Can radar see a tornado near China?
Radar can't see the tornado itself, but it shows the rotating storm and, once debris is lofted, a debris signature. Over China the lowest scan from KHGX is about 4,500 ft up — good — most storms and steady rain or snow show clearly.
Is TALON's radar for China 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 China, follow it right away — see watch vs. warning.
Radar for nearby towns
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