Sanderson, TX Live Doppler Radar
Live radar for Sanderson, Terrell County: every NWS radar combined, rain, snow and ice colors, flash-flood risk, storm tracks and official warnings.
What weather hits Sanderson?
Since 1996, the National Weather Service has logged damaging thunderstorm winds on 32 days in the Terrell forecast zone and Terrell County — the most common reported hazard around Sanderson, mostly in June and May. Next come flash flooding (27 days) and ice storms & sleet (3 days).
| Hazard | Days reported | Most recent | Worst on record |
|---|---|---|---|
| Damaging thunderstorm winds | 32 | Jul 2025 | Jun 15, 1997 · $200,000 damage |
| Flash flooding | 27 | May 2026 | Jul 25, 2004 · $1.1 million damage |
| Ice storms & sleet | 3 | Dec 2014 | — |
| High winds | 3 | Jan 2024 | — |
| Heavy snow & winter storms | 2 | Dec 2020 | — |
| Hurricanes & tropical storms | 1 | Jul 2003 | — |
| Flooding | 1 | Jul 2004 | Jul 25, 2004 · $100,000 damage |
| Wildfires | 1 | Apr 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 Terrell forecast zone and Terrell County; damage is as reported, not adjusted for inflation.
Which radars cover Sanderson?
The closest NEXRAD Doppler radar is KMAF (Midland/Odessa, TX), about 125 miles north. 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 Sanderson | View |
|---|---|---|---|
| KMAF Midland/Odessa, TX | 125 mi north | 13,500 ft | Limited — the beam overshoots the lowest part of storms |
| KDFX Laughlin AFB, TX | 141 mi east-southeast | 16,500 ft | Limited — the beam overshoots the lowest part of storms |
| KSJT San Angelo, TX | 142 mi northeast | 16,600 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 Sanderson
Since 1950, NOAA has recorded 11 tornadoes within 25 miles of Sanderson, 3 of them EF2/F2 or stronger. Most came in June and May. The strongest was an EF3 on June 2, 2024, which touched down near town.
Hail: 74 reports of 1-inch or larger hail within 25 miles since 1955, 20 of them 2 inches or more; the largest was 3.00-inch hail on June 11, 2003.
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 Sanderson'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.
Sanderson radar FAQ
Where is the nearest weather radar to Sanderson, TX?
KMAF (Midland/Odessa, TX), about 125 miles north. KDFX (Laughlin AFB, TX) is 141 miles away and also covers the area.
Can radar see a tornado near Sanderson?
Radar can't see the tornado itself, but it shows the rotating storm and, once debris is lofted, a debris signature. Over Sanderson the lowest scan from KMAF is about 13,500 ft up — limited — the beam overshoots the lowest part of storms.
Is TALON's radar for Sanderson 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 Sanderson, follow it right away — see watch vs. warning.
Radar for nearby towns
- Fort Stockton, TX radar 59 mi
- Iraan, TX radar 61 mi