Viola, WI Live Doppler Radar
Live radar for Viola, Vernon County: every NWS radar combined, rain, snow and ice colors, flash-flood risk, storm tracks and official warnings.
What weather hits Viola?
Since 1996, the National Weather Service has logged damaging thunderstorm winds on 82 days in the Vernon forecast zone and Vernon County — the most common reported hazard around Viola, mostly in June and July. Next come heavy snow & winter storms (76 days) and flooding (63 days).
| Hazard | Days reported | Most recent | Worst on record |
|---|---|---|---|
| Damaging thunderstorm winds | 82 | Jun 2026 | Jun 27, 1998 · $233,000 damage |
| Heavy snow & winter storms | 76 | Mar 2026 | — |
| Flooding | 63 | Jul 2024 | Sep 22, 2016 · 1 death · $986,000 damage |
| Flash flooding | 32 | Jun 2024 | Sep 22, 2016 · 1 death · $8.9 million damage |
| Extreme cold & wind chill | 20 | Jan 2026 | Feb 6, 2021 · 1 death |
| Excessive heat | 13 | Jun 2026 | Jul 2, 2012 · 1 death |
| High winds | 6 | Dec 2021 | Nov 10, 1998 · 1 death · $150,000 damage |
| Ice storms & sleet | 4 | Mar 2009 | Jan 4, 1998 · $18,000 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 Vernon forecast zone and Vernon County; damage is as reported, not adjusted for inflation.
How much snow does Viola get?
A normal year brings about 46 inches of snow to Viola, based on NOAA's 1991–2020 climate normals for the La Farge weather station 5 miles away. The snowiest month is usually January (11.9 in).
| Oct | Nov | Dec | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0.3 | 3.1 | 11.6 | 11.9 | 9.9 | 6.4 | 3.0 | 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 Viola?
The closest NEXRAD Doppler radar is KARX (La Crosse, WI), about 34 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 Viola | View |
|---|---|---|---|
| KARX La Crosse, WI | 34 mi northwest | 2,100 ft | Excellent — the lowest scan sees close to the ground |
| KMKX Milwaukee/Sullivan, WI | 113 mi east-southeast | 11,600 ft | Limited — the beam overshoots the lowest part of storms |
| KDVN Quad Cities, IA | 131 mi south | 14,600 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 Viola
Since 1950, NOAA has recorded 52 tornadoes within 25 miles of Viola, 14 of them EF2/F2 or stronger. Most came in June and August. The strongest was an F3 on September 3, 1964, which passed about 20 miles south-southeast of town. The most recent was an EF0 on September 22, 2025, which touched down about 18 miles southwest of town.
Hail: 145 reports of 1-inch or larger hail within 25 miles since 1955, 8 of them 2 inches or more; the largest was 2.75-inch hail on September 24, 1984.
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 Viola'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.
Viola radar FAQ
Where is the nearest weather radar to Viola, WI?
KARX (La Crosse, WI), about 34 miles northwest. KMKX (Milwaukee/Sullivan, WI) is 113 miles away and also covers the area.
Does radar show snow in Viola?
Yes. TALON colors snow blue, a rain–snow mix pink and freezing rain purple using NOAA's precipitation-type analysis. Over Viola the lowest scan from KARX is about 2,100 ft up.
Is TALON's radar for Viola 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 Viola, follow it right away — see watch vs. warning.
Radar for nearby towns
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- Westby, WI radar 14 mi
- Cashton, WI radar 17 mi
- Richland Center, WI radar 19 mi
- Hillsboro, WI radar 20 mi
- Boscobel, WI radar 25 mi
- Muscoda, WI radar 25 mi
- Elroy, WI radar 26 mi
- Sparta, WI radar 31 mi
- Bangor, WI radar 31 mi