Salem, VA Live Doppler Radar
Live radar for Salem, City of Salem County: every NWS radar combined, rain, snow and ice colors, flash-flood risk, storm tracks and official warnings.
What weather hits Salem?
Since 1996, the National Weather Service has logged high winds on 67 days in the Roanoke forecast zone and City of Salem County — the most common reported hazard around Salem, mostly in February and January. Next come heavy snow & winter storms (56 days) and damaging thunderstorm winds (23 days).
| Hazard | Days reported | Most recent | Worst on record |
|---|---|---|---|
| High winds | 67 | Dec 2025 | Apr 1, 2023 · $60,000 damage |
| Heavy snow & winter storms | 56 | Jan 2026 | Feb 12, 2014 · $550,000 damage |
| Damaging thunderstorm winds | 23 | Jun 2026 | Jun 19, 2013 · $350,000 damage |
| Flooding | 20 | Sep 2024 | Jul 3, 2013 · 1 death |
| Ice storms & sleet | 12 | Nov 2018 | Dec 15, 2007 · $20,000 damage |
| Flash flooding | 9 | Feb 2025 | Oct 11, 2018 · $200,000 damage |
| Extreme cold & wind chill | 5 | Dec 2022 | Mar 8, 1996 · $10,000 damage |
| Lightning casualties & damage | 2 | Jun 2013 | Jun 26, 2013 · $150,000 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 Roanoke forecast zone and City of Salem County; damage is as reported, not adjusted for inflation.
How much snow does Salem get?
A normal year brings about 15 inches of snow to Salem, based on NOAA's 1991–2020 climate normals for the Roanoke Rgnl Ap weather station 5 miles away. The snowiest month is usually February (4.8 in).
| Oct | Nov | Dec | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0.0 | 0.1 | 3.2 | 4.3 | 4.8 | 2.3 | 0.1 | 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 Salem?
The closest NEXRAD Doppler radar is KFCX (Blacksburg, VA), about 22 miles southwest. 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 Salem | View |
|---|---|---|---|
| KFCX Blacksburg, VA | 22 mi southwest | 1,200 ft | Excellent — the lowest scan sees close to the ground |
| KRLX Charleston, WV | 115 mi northwest | 12,000 ft | Limited — the beam overshoots the lowest part of storms |
| KRAX Raleigh/Durham, NC | 142 mi southeast | 16,600 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 Salem
Since 1950, NOAA has recorded 16 tornadoes within 25 miles of Salem, 4 of them EF2/F2 or stronger. Most came in June and August. The strongest was an F2 on April 4, 1974, which passed about 2 miles northeast of town. The most recent was an EF1 on May 26, 2024, which touched down near town.
Hail: 311 reports of 1-inch or larger hail within 25 miles since 1955, 7 of them 2 inches or more; the largest was 4.50-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 Salem'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.
Salem radar FAQ
Where is the nearest weather radar to Salem, VA?
KFCX (Blacksburg, VA), about 22 miles southwest. KRLX (Charleston, WV) is 115 miles away and also covers the area.
Does radar show snow in Salem?
Yes. TALON colors snow blue, a rain–snow mix pink and freezing rain purple using NOAA's precipitation-type analysis. Over Salem the lowest scan from KFCX is about 1,200 ft up.
Is TALON's radar for Salem 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 Salem, follow it right away — see watch vs. warning.
Radar for nearby towns
- Roanoke, VA radar 5 mi
- Vinton, VA radar 9 mi
- Blacksburg, VA radar 21 mi
- Rocky Mount, VA radar 22 mi
- Christiansburg, VA radar 22 mi
- Buchanan, VA radar 26 mi
- Bedford, VA radar 30 mi
- Radford, VA radar 30 mi
- Pembroke, VA radar 32 mi
- Covington, VA radar 34 mi