Methow, WA Live Doppler Radar
Live radar for Methow, Okanogan County: every NWS radar combined, rain, snow and ice colors, flash-flood risk, storm tracks and official warnings.
What weather hits Methow?
Since 1996, the National Weather Service has logged flash flooding on 30 days in the Western Okanogan County forecast zone and Okanogan County — the most common reported hazard around Methow, mostly in July and June. Next come debris flows (28 days) and damaging thunderstorm winds (26 days).
| Hazard | Days reported | Most recent | Worst on record |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flash flooding | 30 | Jul 2023 | Jul 12, 2001 · 1 death · $1.5 million damage |
| Debris flows | 28 | Aug 2024 | Mar 14, 2017 · $80,000 damage |
| Damaging thunderstorm winds | 26 | Sep 2024 | May 24, 2001 · $1.1 million damage |
| Flooding | 25 | May 2023 | May 5, 2018 · $12 million damage |
| Heavy snow & winter storms | 19 | Mar 2026 | — |
| Wildfires | 16 | Aug 2025 | Jul 9, 2001 · 4 deaths |
| Lightning casualties & damage | 2 | Jul 2009 | Jul 6, 2009 · $2,000 damage |
| Avalanches | 1 | Feb 2025 | Feb 28, 2025 · 1 death · $9,000 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 Western Okanogan County forecast zone and Okanogan County; damage is as reported, not adjusted for inflation.
Which radars cover Methow?
The closest NEXRAD Doppler radar is KOTX (Spokane, WA), about 115 miles east-southeast. 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 Methow | View |
|---|---|---|---|
| KOTX Spokane, WA | 115 mi east-southeast | 11,800 ft | Limited — the beam overshoots the lowest part of storms |
| KATX Seattle/Tacoma, WA | 115 mi west | 11,900 ft | Limited — the beam overshoots the lowest part of storms |
| KPDT Pendleton, OR | 177 mi south-southeast | 23,900 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 Methow
Since 1950, NOAA has recorded 1 tornado within 25 miles of Methow. The strongest was an F1 on May 30, 1987, which touched down about 10 miles east of town.
Hail: 9 reports of 1-inch or larger hail within 25 miles since 1955; the largest was 1.50-inch hail on July 7, 1975.
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 Methow'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.
Methow radar FAQ
Where is the nearest weather radar to Methow, WA?
KOTX (Spokane, WA), about 115 miles east-southeast. KATX (Seattle/Tacoma, WA) is 115 miles away and also covers the area.
Does radar show snow in Methow?
Yes. TALON colors snow blue, a rain–snow mix pink and freezing rain purple using NOAA's precipitation-type analysis. Over Methow the lowest scan from KOTX is about 11,800 ft up, so light snow from shallow clouds can be under-shown — check NWS winter alerts too.
Is TALON's radar for Methow 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 Methow, follow it right away — see watch vs. warning.
Radar for nearby towns
- Brewster, WA radar 11 mi
- Twisp, WA radar 17 mi
- Bridgeport, WA radar 18 mi
- Chelan, WA radar 20 mi
- Okanogan, WA radar 26 mi
- Omak, WA radar 30 mi
- Entiat, WA radar 33 mi
- Waterville, WA radar 34 mi
- Cashmere, WA radar 47 mi
- Tonasket, WA radar 47 mi