Wisconsin Rapids, WI Live Doppler Radar
Live radar for Wisconsin Rapids, Wood County: every NWS radar combined, rain, snow and ice colors, flash-flood risk, storm tracks and official warnings.
What weather hits Wisconsin Rapids?
Since 1996, the National Weather Service has logged damaging thunderstorm winds on 76 days in the Wood forecast zone and Wood County — the most common reported hazard around Wisconsin Rapids, mostly in July and June. Next come heavy snow & winter storms (72 days) and extreme cold & wind chill (19 days).
| Hazard | Days reported | Most recent | Worst on record |
|---|---|---|---|
| Damaging thunderstorm winds | 76 | Jun 2025 | Jul 20, 2019 · $250,000 damage |
| Heavy snow & winter storms | 72 | Mar 2026 | Dec 11, 2010 · 1 death |
| Extreme cold & wind chill | 19 | Jan 2026 | — |
| Flooding | 12 | Jun 2017 | Feb 21, 2017 · $50,000 damage |
| Flash flooding | 12 | Apr 2026 | Sep 23, 2010 · $1.5 million damage |
| Excessive heat | 9 | Jun 2026 | — |
| High winds | 7 | Feb 2022 | Nov 10, 1998 · $15,000 damage |
| Ice storms & sleet | 5 | Apr 2026 | — |
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 Wood forecast zone and Wood County; damage is as reported, not adjusted for inflation.
How much snow does Wisconsin Rapids get?
A normal year brings about 48 inches of snow to Wisconsin Rapids, based on NOAA's 1991–2020 climate normals for the Wis Rapids Grand Av B weather station in town. The snowiest month is usually January (12.2 in).
| Oct | Nov | Dec | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0.1 | 3.4 | 12.0 | 12.2 | 10.2 | 6.9 | 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 Wisconsin Rapids?
The closest NEXRAD Doppler radar is KARX (La Crosse, WI), about 78 miles west-southwest. 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 Wisconsin Rapids | View |
|---|---|---|---|
| KARX La Crosse, WI | 78 mi west-southwest | 6,700 ft | Fair — the beam can pass over shallow snow and low-level rotation |
| KGRB Green Bay, WI | 85 mi east | 7,500 ft | Fair — the beam can pass over shallow snow and low-level rotation |
| KMKX Milwaukee/Sullivan, WI | 117 mi south-southeast | 12,300 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 Wisconsin Rapids
Since 1950, NOAA has recorded 52 tornadoes within 25 miles of Wisconsin Rapids, 17 of them EF2/F2 or stronger. Most came in July and June. The strongest was an F4 on April 19, 1957, which passed about 20 miles southwest of town and caused 1 death. The most recent was an EF0 on May 15, 2025, which passed about 12 miles east-southeast of town.
Hail: 170 reports of 1-inch or larger hail within 25 miles since 1955, 14 of them 2 inches or more; the largest was 5.50-inch hail on June 7, 2007.
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 Wisconsin Rapids'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.
Wisconsin Rapids radar FAQ
Where is the nearest weather radar to Wisconsin Rapids, WI?
KARX (La Crosse, WI), about 78 miles west-southwest. KGRB (Green Bay, WI) is 85 miles away and also covers the area.
Does radar show snow in Wisconsin Rapids?
Yes. TALON colors snow blue, a rain–snow mix pink and freezing rain purple using NOAA's precipitation-type analysis. Over Wisconsin Rapids the lowest scan from KARX is about 6,700 ft up, so light snow from shallow clouds can be under-shown — check NWS winter alerts too.
Is TALON's radar for Wisconsin Rapids 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 Wisconsin Rapids, follow it right away — see watch vs. warning.
Radar for nearby towns
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