Independence, VA Live Doppler Radar
Live radar for Independence, Grayson County: every NWS radar combined, rain, snow and ice colors, flash-flood risk, storm tracks and official warnings.
What weather hits Independence?
Since 1996, the National Weather Service has logged high winds on 90 days in the Grayson forecast zone and Grayson County — the most common reported hazard around Independence, mostly in February and December. Next come heavy snow & winter storms (79 days) and damaging thunderstorm winds (58 days).
| Hazard | Days reported | Most recent | Worst on record |
|---|---|---|---|
| High winds | 90 | Dec 2025 | Sep 27, 2024 · 1 death · $76 million damage |
| Heavy snow & winter storms | 79 | Jan 2026 | Feb 1, 2021 · $10,000 damage |
| Damaging thunderstorm winds | 58 | Jun 2025 | Sep 2, 2011 · $55,000 damage |
| Flash flooding | 27 | Sep 2024 | Sep 27, 2024 · 1 death · $61 million damage |
| Flooding | 13 | Sep 2024 | Sep 26, 2024 · $2.0 million damage |
| Ice storms & sleet | 10 | Nov 2018 | Dec 15, 2007 · $15,000 damage |
| Extreme cold & wind chill | 7 | Jan 2026 | Mar 8, 1996 · $3,000 damage |
| Lightning casualties & damage | 4 | Sep 2011 | May 10, 2005 · $1,000 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 Grayson forecast zone and Grayson County; damage is as reported, not adjusted for inflation.
How much snow does Independence get?
A normal year brings about 19 inches of snow to Independence, based on NOAA's 1991–2020 climate normals for the Sparta 3.5 Ssw weather station 11.6 miles away. The snowiest month is usually January (5.3 in).
| Oct | Nov | Dec | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0.0 | 0.3 | 4.7 | 5.3 | 4.2 | 3.1 | 1.0 | 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 Independence?
The closest NEXRAD Doppler radar is KFCX (Blacksburg, VA), about 56 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 Independence | View |
|---|---|---|---|
| KFCX Blacksburg, VA | 56 mi east-northeast | 4,100 ft | Good — most storms and steady rain or snow show clearly |
| KRLX Charleston, WV | 121 mi north-northwest | 12,800 ft | Limited — the beam overshoots the lowest part of storms |
| KMRX Knoxville, TN | 129 mi west-southwest | 14,300 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 Independence
Since 1950, NOAA has recorded 17 tornadoes within 25 miles of Independence, 1 of them EF2/F2 or stronger. Most came in May and July. The strongest was an EF2 on May 8, 2009, which passed about 8 miles southeast of town. The most recent was an EF1 on July 5, 2022, which touched down about 8 miles east of town.
Hail: 189 reports of 1-inch or larger hail within 25 miles since 1955, 9 of them 2 inches or more; the largest was 2.50-inch hail on June 4, 1993.
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 Independence'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.
Independence radar FAQ
Where is the nearest weather radar to Independence, VA?
KFCX (Blacksburg, VA), about 56 miles east-northeast. KRLX (Charleston, WV) is 121 miles away and also covers the area.
Does radar show snow in Independence?
Yes. TALON colors snow blue, a rain–snow mix pink and freezing rain purple using NOAA's precipitation-type analysis. Over Independence the lowest scan from KFCX is about 4,100 ft up.
Is TALON's radar for Independence 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 Independence, follow it right away — see watch vs. warning.
Radar for nearby towns
- Galax, VA radar 13 mi
- Rural Retreat, VA radar 20 mi
- Wytheville, VA radar 23 mi
- Hillsville, VA radar 25 mi
- Marion, VA radar 25 mi
- Chilhowie, VA radar 32 mi
- Glade Spring, VA radar 36 mi
- Pulaski, VA radar 36 mi
- Saltville, VA radar 38 mi
- Tazewell, VA radar 40 mi