Longbranch, WA Live Doppler Radar
Live radar for Longbranch, Pierce County: every NWS radar combined, rain, snow and ice colors, flash-flood risk, storm tracks and official warnings.
What weather hits Longbranch?
Since 1996, the National Weather Service has logged lightning damage or injuries on 5 days in the Lowlands of Pierce and Southern King Counties forecast zone and Pierce County — the most common reported hazard around Longbranch, mostly in September and February. Next come flooding (3 days) and damaging thunderstorm winds (1 days).
| Hazard | Days reported | Most recent | Worst on record |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lightning casualties & damage | 5 | Sep 2013 | Sep 5, 2013 · $5,000 damage |
| Flooding | 3 | Dec 2015 | Jan 7, 2009 · $8.8 million damage |
| Damaging thunderstorm winds | 1 | May 2013 | May 13, 2013 · $30,000 damage |
| Debris flows | 1 | Mar 2017 | — |
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 Lowlands of Pierce and Southern King Counties forecast zone and Pierce County; damage is as reported, not adjusted for inflation.
Which radars cover Longbranch?
The closest NEXRAD Doppler radar is KLGX (Langley Hill, WA), about 63 miles west. 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 Longbranch | View |
|---|---|---|---|
| KLGX Langley Hill, WA | 63 mi west | 4,900 ft | Good — most storms and steady rain or snow show clearly |
| KATX Seattle/Tacoma, WA | 68 mi north | 5,500 ft | Good — most storms and steady rain or snow show clearly |
| KRTX Portland, OR | 105 mi south | 10,300 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 Longbranch
Since 1950, NOAA has recorded 11 tornadoes within 25 miles of Longbranch, 1 of them EF2/F2 or stronger. Most came in December and June. The strongest was an EF2 on December 18, 2018, which touched down about 20 miles north-northeast of town. The most recent was an EF1 on October 18, 2019, which touched down about 8 miles west-northwest of town.
Hail: 2 reports of 1-inch or larger hail within 25 miles since 1955; the largest was 1.50-inch hail on September 1, 1997.
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 Longbranch'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.
Longbranch radar FAQ
Where is the nearest weather radar to Longbranch, WA?
KLGX (Langley Hill, WA), about 63 miles west. KATX (Seattle/Tacoma, WA) is 68 miles away and also covers the area.
Can radar see a tornado near Longbranch?
Radar can't see the tornado itself, but it shows the rotating storm and, once debris is lofted, a debris signature. Over Longbranch the lowest scan from KLGX is about 4,900 ft up — good — most storms and steady rain or snow show clearly.
Is TALON's radar for Longbranch 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 Longbranch, follow it right away — see watch vs. warning.
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