Zapata, TX Live Doppler Radar
Live radar for Zapata, Zapata County: every NWS radar combined, rain, snow and ice colors, flash-flood risk, storm tracks and official warnings.
What weather hits Zapata?
Since 1996, the National Weather Service has logged dangerous heat on 33 days in the Zapata forecast zone and Zapata County — the most common reported hazard around Zapata, mostly in June and May. Next come damaging thunderstorm winds (29 days) and flash flooding (26 days).
| Hazard | Days reported | Most recent | Worst on record |
|---|---|---|---|
| Excessive heat | 33 | Jun 2026 | — |
| Damaging thunderstorm winds | 29 | May 2024 | May 14, 2008 · $750,000 damage |
| Flash flooding | 26 | Jul 2024 | May 23, 2022 · $300,000 damage |
| Flooding | 8 | May 2022 | Jul 14, 2010 · $1.0 million damage |
| Wildfires | 8 | Aug 2023 | Aug 7, 2023 · $10,000 damage |
| Lightning casualties & damage | 4 | Aug 2016 | May 1, 2004 · $75,000 damage |
| Ice storms & sleet | 3 | Jan 2025 | — |
| Extreme cold & wind chill | 2 | Jan 2026 | — |
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 Zapata forecast zone and Zapata County; damage is as reported, not adjusted for inflation.
Which radars cover Zapata?
The closest NEXRAD Doppler radar is KCRP (Corpus Christi, TX), about 124 miles east-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 Zapata | View |
|---|---|---|---|
| KCRP Corpus Christi, TX | 124 mi east-northeast | 13,300 ft | Limited — the beam overshoots the lowest part of storms |
| KBRO Brownsville, TX | 133 mi east-southeast | 14,900 ft | Limited — the beam overshoots the lowest part of storms |
| KDFX Laughlin AFB, TX | 175 mi north-northwest | 23,400 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 Zapata
Since 1950, NOAA has recorded 4 tornadoes within 25 miles of Zapata, 3 of them EF2/F2 or stronger. Most came in May and September. The strongest was an F2 on May 23, 1970, which crossed near town. The most recent was an F0 on May 17, 2002, which touched down about 2 miles east of town.
Hail: 34 reports of 1-inch or larger hail within 25 miles since 1955, 5 of them 2 inches or more; the largest was 4.50-inch hail on May 7, 2025.
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 Zapata'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.
Zapata radar FAQ
Where is the nearest weather radar to Zapata, TX?
KCRP (Corpus Christi, TX), about 124 miles east-northeast. KBRO (Brownsville, TX) is 133 miles away and also covers the area.
Can radar see a tornado near Zapata?
Radar can't see the tornado itself, but it shows the rotating storm and, once debris is lofted, a debris signature. Over Zapata the lowest scan from KCRP is about 13,300 ft up — limited — the beam overshoots the lowest part of storms.
Is TALON's radar for Zapata 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 Zapata, follow it right away — see watch vs. warning.
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