Independence, WI Live Doppler Radar
Live radar for Independence, Trempealeau County: every NWS radar combined, rain, snow and ice colors, flash-flood risk, storm tracks and official warnings.
What weather hits Independence?
Since 1996, the National Weather Service has logged damaging thunderstorm winds on 84 days in the Trempealeau forecast zone and Trempealeau County — the most common reported hazard around Independence, mostly in June and July. Next come heavy snow & winter storms (77 days) and flooding (72 days).
| Hazard | Days reported | Most recent | Worst on record |
|---|---|---|---|
| Damaging thunderstorm winds | 84 | Jun 2026 | May 2, 2012 · $3.5 million damage |
| Heavy snow & winter storms | 77 | Mar 2026 | Mar 14, 2026 · $100,000 damage |
| Flooding | 72 | Apr 2026 | Sep 23, 2010 · $6.6 million damage |
| Extreme cold & wind chill | 18 | Jan 2026 | — |
| Flash flooding | 18 | Jul 2024 | Jul 19, 2017 · $5.0 million damage |
| Excessive heat | 14 | Jun 2026 | Jul 16, 2013 · 1 death |
| Ice storms & sleet | 6 | Jan 2023 | Jan 4, 1998 · $8,000 damage |
| Lightning casualties & damage | 6 | Aug 2021 | Oct 2, 2006 · 1 death |
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 Trempealeau forecast zone and Trempealeau County; damage is as reported, not adjusted for inflation.
How much snow does Independence get?
A normal year brings about 41 inches of snow to Independence, based on NOAA's 1991–2020 climate normals for the Blair weather station 9.5 miles away. The snowiest month is usually January (10.0 in).
| Oct | Nov | Dec | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0.2 | 2.2 | 8.8 | 10.0 | 8.5 | 8.9 | 2.5 | 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 Independence?
The closest NEXRAD Doppler radar is KARX (La Crosse, WI), about 36 miles south-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 Independence | View |
|---|---|---|---|
| KARX La Crosse, WI | 36 mi south-southeast | 2,300 ft | Excellent — the lowest scan sees close to the ground |
| KMPX Minneapolis, MN | 112 mi west-northwest | 11,400 ft | Limited — the beam overshoots the lowest part of storms |
| KGRB Green Bay, WI | 164 mi east | 21,000 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 Independence
Since 1950, NOAA has recorded 63 tornadoes within 25 miles of Independence, 13 of them EF2/F2 or stronger. Most came in July and May. The strongest was an F4 on May 10, 1953, which passed about 6 miles northwest of town and caused 2 deaths. The most recent was an EF1 on April 28, 2025, which passed about 22 miles north-northwest of town.
Hail: 297 reports of 1-inch or larger hail within 25 miles since 1955, 37 of them 2 inches or more; the largest was 3.50-inch hail on July 6, 2017.
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 Independence'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.
Independence radar FAQ
Where is the nearest weather radar to Independence, WI?
KARX (La Crosse, WI), about 36 miles south-southeast. KMPX (Minneapolis, MN) is 112 miles away and also covers the area.
Does radar show snow in Independence?
Yes. TALON colors snow blue, a rain–snow mix pink and freezing rain purple using NOAA's precipitation-type analysis. Over Independence the lowest scan from KARX is about 2,300 ft up.
Is TALON's radar for Independence 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 Independence, follow it right away — see watch vs. warning.
Radar for nearby towns
- Whitehall, WI radar 5 mi
- Arcadia, WI radar 5 mi
- Blair, WI radar 6 mi
- Galesville, WI radar 16 mi
- Strum, WI radar 17 mi
- Trempealeau, WI radar 21 mi
- Osseo, WI radar 21 mi
- Mondovi, WI radar 22 mi
- Buffalo City, WI radar 23 mi
- Holmen, WI radar 25 mi