East Columbia, TX Live Doppler Radar
Live radar for East Columbia, Brazoria County: every NWS radar combined, rain, snow and ice colors, flash-flood risk, storm tracks and official warnings.
What weather hits East Columbia?
Since 1996, the National Weather Service has logged damaging thunderstorm winds on 90 days in the Inland Brazoria forecast zone and Brazoria County — the most common reported hazard around East Columbia, mostly in May and June. Next come flash flooding (52 days) and lightning casualties & damage (15 days).
| Hazard | Days reported | Most recent | Worst on record |
|---|---|---|---|
| Damaging thunderstorm winds | 90 | May 2026 | May 2, 2000 · $1.0 million damage |
| Flash flooding | 52 | Jun 2026 | Aug 26, 2017 · $2.0 billion damage |
| Lightning casualties & damage | 15 | Aug 2019 | Oct 7, 2007 · 1 death |
| Hurricanes & tropical storms | 13 | Sep 2021 | Sep 12, 2008 · 1 death · $700 million damage |
| Excessive heat | 13 | Sep 2023 | — |
| Coastal flooding | 6 | Oct 2015 | Oct 16, 2006 · $830,000 damage |
| Heavy snow & winter storms | 3 | Jan 2025 | — |
| Ice storms & sleet | 2 | Feb 2011 | — |
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 Inland Brazoria forecast zone and Brazoria County; damage is as reported, not adjusted for inflation.
Which radars cover East Columbia?
The closest NEXRAD Doppler radar is KHGX (Houston, TX), about 39 miles northeast. 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 East Columbia | View |
|---|---|---|---|
| KHGX Houston, TX | 39 mi northeast | 2,600 ft | Excellent — the lowest scan sees close to the ground |
| KCRP Corpus Christi, TX | 149 mi southwest | 18,000 ft | Limited — the beam overshoots the lowest part of storms |
| KEWX San Antonio, TX | 151 mi west-northwest | 18,400 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 East Columbia
Since 1950, NOAA has recorded 91 tornadoes within 25 miles of East Columbia, 7 of them EF2/F2 or stronger. Most came in September and August. The strongest was an F3 on March 8, 1976, which passed about 19 miles north-northeast of town. The most recent was an EF2 on December 28, 2024, which passed about 21 miles northeast of town.
Hail: 64 reports of 1-inch or larger hail within 25 miles since 1955, 7 of them 2 inches or more; the largest was 2.75-inch hail on March 16, 2024.
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 East Columbia'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.
East Columbia radar FAQ
Where is the nearest weather radar to East Columbia, TX?
KHGX (Houston, TX), about 39 miles northeast. KCRP (Corpus Christi, TX) is 149 miles away and also covers the area.
Can radar see a tornado near East Columbia?
Radar can't see the tornado itself, but it shows the rotating storm and, once debris is lofted, a debris signature. Over East Columbia the lowest scan from KHGX is about 2,600 ft up — excellent — the lowest scan sees close to the ground.
Is TALON's radar for East Columbia 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 East Columbia, follow it right away — see watch vs. warning.
Radar for nearby towns
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