Sonora, TX Live Doppler Radar
Live radar for Sonora, Sutton County: every NWS radar combined, rain, snow and ice colors, flash-flood risk, storm tracks and official warnings.
What weather hits Sonora?
Since 1996, the National Weather Service has logged flash flooding on 29 days in the Sutton forecast zone and Sutton County — the most common reported hazard around Sonora, mostly in October and June. Next come wildfires (10 days) and damaging thunderstorm winds (8 days).
| Hazard | Days reported | Most recent | Worst on record |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flash flooding | 29 | Sep 2025 | Sep 21, 2018 · $8.0 million damage |
| Wildfires | 10 | Jan 2017 | — |
| Damaging thunderstorm winds | 8 | Mar 2026 | Apr 26, 2009 · $50,000 damage |
| Heavy snow & winter storms | 7 | Feb 2021 | Jan 16, 2007 · $12,000 damage |
| Ice storms & sleet | 4 | Feb 2022 | Jan 14, 2007 · $1,000 damage |
| Extreme cold & wind chill | 3 | Feb 2021 | — |
| Flooding | 3 | Oct 2023 | — |
| High winds | 2 | Feb 2007 | Mar 21, 2000 · $6,000 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 Sutton forecast zone and Sutton County; damage is as reported, not adjusted for inflation.
Which radars cover Sonora?
The closest NEXRAD Doppler radar is KSJT (San Angelo, TX), about 56 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 Sonora | View |
|---|---|---|---|
| KSJT San Angelo, TX | 56 mi north | 4,100 ft | Good — most storms and steady rain or snow show clearly |
| KDFX Laughlin AFB, TX | 92 mi south-southeast | 8,500 ft | Fair — the beam can pass over shallow snow and low-level rotation |
| KMAF Midland/Odessa, TX | 132 mi northwest | 14,700 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 Sonora
Since 1950, NOAA has recorded 12 tornadoes within 25 miles of Sonora. Most came in May and June. The strongest was an F1 on February 20, 1997, which passed about 19 miles north of town. The most recent was an EF0 on May 9, 2007, which touched down about 10 miles west-northwest of town.
Hail: 74 reports of 1-inch or larger hail within 25 miles since 1955, 12 of them 2 inches or more; the largest was 4.50-inch hail on May 31, 1962.
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 Sonora'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.
Sonora radar FAQ
Where is the nearest weather radar to Sonora, TX?
KSJT (San Angelo, TX), about 56 miles north. KDFX (Laughlin AFB, TX) is 92 miles away and also covers the area.
Does radar show snow in Sonora?
Yes. TALON colors snow blue, a rain–snow mix pink and freezing rain purple using NOAA's precipitation-type analysis. Over Sonora the lowest scan from KSJT is about 4,100 ft up.
Is TALON's radar for Sonora 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 Sonora, follow it right away — see watch vs. warning.
Radar for nearby towns
- Eldorado, TX radar 20 mi
- Junction, TX radar 52 mi
- Menard, TX radar 56 mi
- San Angelo, TX radar 61 mi