Catlett, VA Live Doppler Radar
Live radar for Catlett, Fauquier County: every NWS radar combined, rain, snow and ice colors, flash-flood risk, storm tracks and official warnings.
What weather hits Catlett?
Since 1996, the National Weather Service has logged damaging thunderstorm winds on 227 days in the Southern Fauquier forecast zone and Fauquier County — the most common reported hazard around Catlett, mostly in June and July. Next come flash flooding (42 days) and flooding (42 days).
| Hazard | Days reported | Most recent | Worst on record |
|---|---|---|---|
| Damaging thunderstorm winds | 227 | Jun 2026 | Jun 22, 2022 · $500,000 damage |
| Flash flooding | 42 | Jul 2025 | Jan 19, 1996 · $200,000 damage |
| Flooding | 42 | Jul 2025 | — |
| Excessive heat | 30 | Aug 2021 | — |
| Heavy snow & winter storms | 22 | Jan 2026 | Feb 5, 2010 · $5,000 damage |
| Extreme cold & wind chill | 9 | Feb 2026 | — |
| Lightning casualties & damage | 7 | Aug 2004 | Aug 30, 2001 · 2 deaths · $1,000 damage |
| High winds | 2 | Mar 2018 | — |
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 Southern Fauquier forecast zone and Fauquier County; damage is as reported, not adjusted for inflation.
Which radars cover Catlett?
The closest NEXRAD Doppler radar is KLWX (Sterling, MD), about 23 miles north-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 Catlett | View |
|---|---|---|---|
| KLWX Sterling, MD | 23 mi north-northeast | 1,300 ft | Excellent — the lowest scan sees close to the ground |
| KDOX Dover AFB, DE | 119 mi east | 12,500 ft | Limited — the beam overshoots the lowest part of storms |
| KAKQ Wakefield, VA | 120 mi south-southeast | 12,800 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 Catlett
Since 1950, NOAA has recorded 79 tornadoes within 25 miles of Catlett, 18 of them EF2/F2 or stronger. Most came in September and June. The strongest was an F4 on September 24, 2001, which passed about 12 miles west-northwest of town. The most recent was an EF1 on August 8, 2024, which passed about 12 miles south of town.
Hail: 316 reports of 1-inch or larger hail within 25 miles since 1955, 19 of them 2 inches or more; the largest was 4.50-inch hail on May 4, 1996.
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 Catlett'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.
Catlett radar FAQ
Where is the nearest weather radar to Catlett, VA?
KLWX (Sterling, MD), about 23 miles north-northeast. KDOX (Dover AFB, DE) is 119 miles away and also covers the area.
Does radar show snow in Catlett?
Yes. TALON colors snow blue, a rain–snow mix pink and freezing rain purple using NOAA's precipitation-type analysis. Over Catlett the lowest scan from KLWX is about 1,300 ft up.
Is TALON's radar for Catlett 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 Catlett, follow it right away — see watch vs. warning.
Radar for nearby towns
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