Poplar, WI Live Doppler Radar
Live radar for Poplar, Douglas County: every NWS radar combined, rain, snow and ice colors, flash-flood risk, storm tracks and official warnings.
What weather hits Poplar?
Since 1996, the National Weather Service has logged heavy snow or a winter storm on 145 days in the Douglas forecast zone and Douglas County — the most common reported hazard around Poplar, mostly in December and March. Next come damaging thunderstorm winds (65 days) and extreme cold & wind chill (26 days).
| Hazard | Days reported | Most recent | Worst on record |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heavy snow & winter storms | 145 | Mar 2026 | Mar 16, 2023 · $330,000 damage |
| Damaging thunderstorm winds | 65 | Jun 2026 | May 30, 2022 · $10,000 damage |
| Extreme cold & wind chill | 26 | Jan 2026 | Dec 18, 2016 · 2 deaths |
| Flash flooding | 11 | Sep 2021 | Jul 25, 1999 · $2.0 million damage |
| Ice storms & sleet | 8 | Apr 2026 | — |
| Lightning casualties & damage | 7 | Sep 2017 | Jul 17, 2011 · $200,000 damage |
| Flooding | 6 | Apr 2023 | Jun 20, 2012 · $21 million damage |
| Blizzards | 5 | Apr 2018 | — |
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 Douglas forecast zone and Douglas County; damage is as reported, not adjusted for inflation.
Which radars cover Poplar?
The closest NEXRAD Doppler radar is KDLH (Duluth, MN), about 27 miles northwest. 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 Poplar | View |
|---|---|---|---|
| KDLH Duluth, MN | 27 mi northwest | 1,600 ft | Excellent — the lowest scan sees close to the ground |
| KMPX Minneapolis, MN | 147 mi southwest | 17,700 ft | Limited — the beam overshoots the lowest part of storms |
| KARX La Crosse, WI | 193 mi south | 27,500 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 Poplar
Since 1950, NOAA has recorded 16 tornadoes within 25 miles of Poplar, 4 of them EF2/F2 or stronger. Most came in July and September. The strongest was an F2 on May 10, 1953, which passed about 23 miles south of town and caused 4 deaths. The most recent was an EF1 on July 18, 2020, which touched down about 6 miles east-northeast of town.
Hail: 140 reports of 1-inch or larger hail within 25 miles since 1955, 18 of them 2 inches or more; the largest was 4.00-inch hail on August 14, 2000.
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 Poplar'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.
Poplar radar FAQ
Where is the nearest weather radar to Poplar, WI?
KDLH (Duluth, MN), about 27 miles northwest. KMPX (Minneapolis, MN) is 147 miles away and also covers the area.
Does radar show snow in Poplar?
Yes. TALON colors snow blue, a rain–snow mix pink and freezing rain purple using NOAA's precipitation-type analysis. Over Poplar the lowest scan from KDLH is about 1,600 ft up.
Is TALON's radar for Poplar 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 Poplar, follow it right away — see watch vs. warning.
Radar for nearby towns
- Lake Nebagamon, WI radar 7 mi
- Superior, WI radar 16 mi
- Hayward, WI radar 42 mi
- Washburn, WI radar 42 mi
- Ashland, WI radar 43 mi
- Spooner, WI radar 52 mi
- Shell Lake, WI radar 59 mi