McChord AFB, WA Live Doppler Radar
Live radar for McChord AFB, Pierce County: every NWS radar combined, rain, snow and ice colors, flash-flood risk, storm tracks and official warnings.
What weather hits McChord AFB?
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 McChord AFB, 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.
How much snow does McChord AFB get?
A normal year brings about 5.6 inches of snow to McChord AFB, based on NOAA's 1991–2020 climate normals for the Mcmillin Rsvr weather station 11.1 miles away. The snowiest month is usually January (1.5 in).
| Oct | Nov | Dec | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0.0 | 1.5 | 1.5 | 1.5 | 0.5 | 0.6 | 0.0 | 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 McChord AFB?
The closest NEXRAD Doppler radar is KATX (Seattle/Tacoma, WA), about 73 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 McChord AFB | View |
|---|---|---|---|
| KATX Seattle/Tacoma, WA | 73 mi north | 6,100 ft | Fair — the beam can pass over shallow snow and low-level rotation |
| KLGX Langley Hill, WA | 76 mi west | 6,400 ft | Fair — the beam can pass over shallow snow and low-level rotation |
| KRTX Portland, OR | 101 mi south-southwest | 9,700 ft | Fair — the beam can pass over shallow snow and low-level rotation |
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 McChord AFB
Since 1950, NOAA has recorded 13 tornadoes within 25 miles of McChord AFB. Most came in June and September. The strongest was an EF1 on September 6, 2009, which passed about 17 miles east-northeast of town. The most recent was an EF1 on October 18, 2019, which touched down about 23 miles west-northwest of town.
Hail: 1 report 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 McChord AFB'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.
McChord AFB radar FAQ
Where is the nearest weather radar to McChord AFB, WA?
KATX (Seattle/Tacoma, WA), about 73 miles north. KLGX (Langley Hill, WA) is 76 miles away and also covers the area.
Can radar see a tornado near McChord AFB?
Radar can't see the tornado itself, but it shows the rotating storm and, once debris is lofted, a debris signature. Over McChord AFB the lowest scan from KATX is about 6,100 ft up — fair — the beam can pass over shallow snow and low-level rotation.
Is TALON's radar for McChord AFB 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 McChord AFB, follow it right away — see watch vs. warning.
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