Hopewell, VA Live Doppler Radar
Live radar for Hopewell, City of Hopewell County: every NWS radar combined, rain, snow and ice colors, flash-flood risk, storm tracks and official warnings.
What weather hits Hopewell?
Since 1996, the National Weather Service has logged heavy snow or a winter storm on 30 days in the Prince George forecast zone and City of Hopewell County — the most common reported hazard around Hopewell, mostly in January and February. Next come damaging thunderstorm winds (21 days) and excessive heat (5 days).
| Hazard | Days reported | Most recent | Worst on record |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heavy snow & winter storms | 30 | Feb 2025 | Feb 18, 2021 · $30,000 damage |
| Damaging thunderstorm winds | 21 | Jun 2026 | Jul 19, 2016 · $10,000 damage |
| Excessive heat | 5 | Jul 2025 | — |
| Flash flooding | 5 | May 2026 | — |
| Ice storms & sleet | 3 | Feb 2021 | Feb 13, 2021 · $50,000 damage |
| High winds | 3 | Apr 2001 | May 29, 2000 · 1 death |
| Flooding | 3 | Oct 2018 | — |
| Hurricanes & tropical storms | 2 | Aug 2011 | Sep 18, 2003 · 1 death · $9.7 million 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 Prince George forecast zone and City of Hopewell County; damage is as reported, not adjusted for inflation.
How much snow does Hopewell get?
A normal year brings about 3.5 inches of snow to Hopewell, based on NOAA's 1991–2020 climate normals for the Hopewell weather station 1.3 miles away. The snowiest month is usually January (2.1 in).
| Oct | Nov | Dec | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.4 | 2.1 | 1.0 | 0.0 | 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 Hopewell?
The closest NEXRAD Doppler radar is KAKQ (Wakefield, VA), about 27 miles southeast. 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 Hopewell | View |
|---|---|---|---|
| KAKQ Wakefield, VA | 27 mi southeast | 1,600 ft | Excellent — the lowest scan sees close to the ground |
| KLWX Sterling, MD | 117 mi north | 12,200 ft | Limited — the beam overshoots the lowest part of storms |
| KRAX Raleigh/Durham, NC | 130 mi south-southwest | 14,500 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 Hopewell
Since 1950, NOAA has recorded 88 tornadoes within 25 miles of Hopewell, 19 of them EF2/F2 or stronger. Most came in August and September. The strongest was an F4 on August 6, 1993, which touched down near town and caused 4 deaths. The most recent was an EF1 on August 4, 2020, which touched down about 24 miles east of town.
Hail: 225 reports of 1-inch or larger hail within 25 miles since 1955, 12 of them 2 inches or more; the largest was 3.00-inch hail on May 27, 2017.
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 Hopewell'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.
Hopewell radar FAQ
Where is the nearest weather radar to Hopewell, VA?
KAKQ (Wakefield, VA), about 27 miles southeast. KLWX (Sterling, MD) is 117 miles away and also covers the area.
Does radar show snow in Hopewell?
Yes. TALON colors snow blue, a rain–snow mix pink and freezing rain purple using NOAA's precipitation-type analysis. Over Hopewell the lowest scan from KAKQ is about 1,600 ft up.
Is TALON's radar for Hopewell 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 Hopewell, follow it right away — see watch vs. warning.
Radar for nearby towns
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- Petersburg, VA radar 8 mi
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- Williamsburg, VA radar 33 mi
- West Point, VA radar 33 mi
- Ashland, VA radar 34 mi
- Blackstone, VA radar 41 mi
- Courtland, VA radar 42 mi
- Emporia, VA radar 43 mi