Breaks, VA Live Doppler Radar
Live radar for Breaks, Buchanan County: every NWS radar combined, rain, snow and ice colors, flash-flood risk, storm tracks and official warnings.
What weather hits Breaks?
Since 1996, the National Weather Service has logged damaging thunderstorm winds on 68 days in the Buchanan forecast zone and Buchanan County — the most common reported hazard around Breaks, mostly in July and June. Next come heavy snow & winter storms (44 days) and flash flooding (39 days).
| Hazard | Days reported | Most recent | Worst on record |
|---|---|---|---|
| Damaging thunderstorm winds | 68 | Jun 2026 | Jun 29, 2012 · $250,000 damage |
| Heavy snow & winter storms | 44 | Jan 2026 | Dec 18, 2009 · $750,000 damage |
| Flash flooding | 39 | Feb 2025 | May 2, 2002 · 2 deaths · $25 million damage |
| Extreme cold & wind chill | 23 | Feb 2026 | Jan 6, 2014 · $50,000 damage |
| Flooding | 20 | Feb 2025 | Nov 19, 2003 · 2 deaths · $500,000 damage |
| Excessive heat | 15 | Apr 2002 | — |
| High winds | 4 | Apr 2023 | Dec 9, 2009 · $10,000 damage |
| Ice storms & sleet | 3 | Jan 2004 | Jan 8, 1997 · $5,000 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 Buchanan forecast zone and Buchanan County; damage is as reported, not adjusted for inflation.
How much snow does Breaks get?
A normal year brings about 7.7 inches of snow to Breaks, based on NOAA's 1991–2020 climate normals for the Fedscreek 1 Se weather station 6.4 miles away. The snowiest month is usually January (3.8 in).
| Oct | Nov | Dec | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0.0 | 0.0 | 1.1 | 3.8 | 2.4 | 0.4 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
Normal snowfall in inches. TALON Pro compares this season's snow at your location with these normals as winter goes on.
Which radars cover Breaks?
The closest NEXRAD Doppler radar is KJKL (Jackson, KY), about 60 miles west-northwest. 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 Breaks | View |
|---|---|---|---|
| KJKL Jackson, KY | 60 mi west-northwest | 4,600 ft | Good — most storms and steady rain or snow show clearly |
| KRLX Charleston, WV | 76 mi north-northeast | 6,400 ft | Fair — the beam can pass over shallow snow and low-level rotation |
| KMRX Knoxville, TN | 100 mi southwest | 9,600 ft | Fair — the beam can pass over shallow snow and low-level rotation |
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 Breaks
Since 1950, NOAA has recorded 6 tornadoes within 25 miles of Breaks, 1 of them EF2/F2 or stronger. Most came in May and April. The strongest was an EF2 on May 8, 2009, which touched down about 20 miles southwest of town. The most recent was an EF1 on April 4, 2011, which touched down about 21 miles west-northwest of town.
Hail: 155 reports of 1-inch or larger hail within 25 miles since 1955, 25 of them 2 inches or more; the largest was 3.50-inch hail on June 5, 1977.
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 Breaks'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.
Breaks radar FAQ
Where is the nearest weather radar to Breaks, VA?
KJKL (Jackson, KY), about 60 miles west-northwest. KRLX (Charleston, WV) is 76 miles away and also covers the area.
Does radar show snow in Breaks?
Yes. TALON colors snow blue, a rain–snow mix pink and freezing rain purple using NOAA's precipitation-type analysis. Over Breaks the lowest scan from KJKL is about 4,600 ft up.
Is TALON's radar for Breaks 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 Breaks, follow it right away — see watch vs. warning.
Radar for nearby towns
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- Norton, VA radar 32 mi
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