Bristol, VT Live Doppler Radar
Live radar for Bristol, Addison County: every NWS radar combined, rain, snow and ice colors, flash-flood risk, storm tracks and official warnings.
What weather hits Bristol?
Since 1996, the National Weather Service has logged damaging thunderstorm winds on 97 days in the Eastern Addison forecast zone and Addison County — the most common reported hazard around Bristol, mostly in July and June. Next come heavy snow & winter storms (92 days) and flash flooding (40 days).
| Hazard | Days reported | Most recent | Worst on record |
|---|---|---|---|
| Damaging thunderstorm winds | 97 | Jun 2026 | May 18, 2017 · $200,000 damage |
| Heavy snow & winter storms | 92 | Feb 2026 | Dec 9, 2014 · $125,000 damage |
| Flash flooding | 40 | Jul 2025 | Aug 28, 2011 · $21 million damage |
| High winds | 23 | Dec 2025 | Dec 1, 2010 · $250,000 damage |
| Extreme cold & wind chill | 23 | Feb 2026 | — |
| Flooding | 15 | Feb 2017 | Jun 9, 2015 · $250,000 damage |
| Excessive heat | 5 | Jun 2025 | Mar 17, 2012 · $450,000 damage |
| Lightning casualties & damage | 4 | Jul 2024 | Feb 5, 2011 · $100,000 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 Eastern Addison forecast zone and Addison County; damage is as reported, not adjusted for inflation.
How much snow does Bristol get?
A normal year brings about 112 inches of snow to Bristol, based on NOAA's 1991–2020 climate normals for the S Lincoln weather station 7.4 miles away. The snowiest month is usually December (25.5 in).
| Oct | Nov | Dec | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.5 | 8.6 | 25.5 | 25.3 | 22.8 | 22.0 | 6.6 | 0.2 |
Normal snowfall in inches. TALON Pro compares this season's snow at your location with these normals as winter goes on.
Which radars cover Bristol?
The closest NEXRAD Doppler radar is KCXX (Burlington, VT), about 26 miles north. 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 Bristol | View |
|---|---|---|---|
| KCXX Burlington, VT | 26 mi north | 1,500 ft | Excellent — the lowest scan sees close to the ground |
| KENX Albany, NY | 118 mi south-southwest | 12,400 ft | Limited — the beam overshoots the lowest part of storms |
| KTYX Montague, NY | 131 mi west | 14,700 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 Bristol
Since 1950, NOAA has recorded 8 tornadoes within 25 miles of Bristol. Most came in July and June. The strongest was an EF1 on March 26, 2021, which touched down about 7 miles south-southwest of town. The most recent was an EF0 on July 13, 2023, which passed about 25 miles south of town.
Hail: 138 reports of 1-inch or larger hail within 25 miles since 1955, 6 of them 2 inches or more; the largest was 2.75-inch hail on July 9, 2007.
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 Bristol'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.
Bristol radar FAQ
Where is the nearest weather radar to Bristol, VT?
KCXX (Burlington, VT), about 26 miles north. KENX (Albany, NY) is 118 miles away and also covers the area.
Does radar show snow in Bristol?
Yes. TALON colors snow blue, a rain–snow mix pink and freezing rain purple using NOAA's precipitation-type analysis. Over Bristol the lowest scan from KCXX is about 1,500 ft up.
Is TALON's radar for Bristol 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 Bristol, follow it right away — see watch vs. warning.
Radar for nearby towns
- Vergennes, VT radar 8 mi
- South Burlington, VT radar 21 mi
- Essex Junction, VT radar 24 mi
- Winooski, VT radar 25 mi
- Burlington, VT radar 26 mi
- Montpelier, VT radar 27 mi
- Barre, VT radar 29 mi
- Rutland, VT radar 37 mi
- Morrisville, VT radar 38 mi
- Johnson, VT radar 40 mi