Washington, VA Live Doppler Radar
Live radar for Washington, Rappahannock County: every NWS radar combined, rain, snow and ice colors, flash-flood risk, storm tracks and official warnings.
What weather hits Washington?
Since 1996, the National Weather Service has logged damaging thunderstorm winds on 82 days in the Rappahannock forecast zone and Rappahannock County — the most common reported hazard around Washington, mostly in June and July. Next come heavy snow & winter storms (56 days) and excessive heat (38 days).
| Hazard | Days reported | Most recent | Worst on record |
|---|---|---|---|
| Damaging thunderstorm winds | 82 | Jun 2026 | May 4, 1996 · $40,000 damage |
| Heavy snow & winter storms | 56 | Jan 2026 | Feb 5, 2010 · $5,000 damage |
| Excessive heat | 38 | Aug 2021 | — |
| Flash flooding | 28 | Jul 2023 | Sep 6, 1996 · $320,000 damage |
| Flooding | 24 | May 2025 | Sep 6, 1996 · $520,000 damage |
| Extreme cold & wind chill | 14 | Feb 2026 | — |
| High winds | 11 | Mar 2024 | Sep 6, 1996 · $510,000 damage |
| Ice storms & sleet | 7 | Nov 2006 | Feb 4, 1998 · $50,000 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 Rappahannock forecast zone and Rappahannock County; damage is as reported, not adjusted for inflation.
How much snow does Washington get?
A normal year brings about 21 inches of snow to Washington, based on NOAA's 1991–2020 climate normals for the Sperryville weather station 5.3 miles away. The snowiest month is usually January (6.9 in).
| Oct | Nov | Dec | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0.0 | 0.3 | 4.8 | 6.9 | 6.9 | 1.9 | 0.2 | 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 Washington?
The closest NEXRAD Doppler radar is KLWX (Sterling, MD), about 41 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 Washington | View |
|---|---|---|---|
| KLWX Sterling, MD | 41 mi east-northeast | 2,700 ft | Excellent — the lowest scan sees close to the ground |
| KAKQ Wakefield, VA | 135 mi south-southeast | 15,300 ft | Limited — the beam overshoots the lowest part of storms |
| KDOX Dover AFB, DE | 147 mi east | 17,500 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 Washington
Since 1950, NOAA has recorded 59 tornadoes within 25 miles of Washington, 10 of them EF2/F2 or stronger. Most came in September and April. The strongest was an F4 on September 24, 2001, which passed about 14 miles southeast of town. The most recent was an EF0 on May 30, 2025, which touched down about 14 miles west of town.
Hail: 175 reports of 1-inch or larger hail within 25 miles since 1955, 8 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 Washington'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.
Washington radar FAQ
Where is the nearest weather radar to Washington, VA?
KLWX (Sterling, MD), about 41 miles east-northeast. KAKQ (Wakefield, VA) is 135 miles away and also covers the area.
Does radar show snow in Washington?
Yes. TALON colors snow blue, a rain–snow mix pink and freezing rain purple using NOAA's precipitation-type analysis. Over Washington the lowest scan from KLWX is about 2,700 ft up.
Is TALON's radar for Washington 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 Washington, follow it right away — see watch vs. warning.
Radar for nearby towns
- Front Royal, VA radar 15 mi
- Luray, VA radar 16 mi
- Culpeper, VA radar 19 mi
- Warrenton, VA radar 20 mi
- Stanley, VA radar 20 mi
- Woodstock, VA radar 22 mi
- Strasburg, VA radar 23 mi
- Middletown, VA radar 23 mi
- Edinburg, VA radar 23 mi
- Mount Jackson, VA radar 27 mi