Charles Town, WV Live Doppler Radar
Live radar for Charles Town, Jefferson County: every NWS radar combined, rain, snow and ice colors, flash-flood risk, storm tracks and official warnings.
What weather hits Charles Town?
Since 1996, the National Weather Service has logged damaging thunderstorm winds on 134 days in the Jefferson forecast zone and Jefferson County — the most common reported hazard around Charles Town, mostly in June and July. Next come heavy snow & winter storms (64 days) and flooding (46 days).
| Hazard | Days reported | Most recent | Worst on record |
|---|---|---|---|
| Damaging thunderstorm winds | 134 | Jun 2026 | May 3, 2025 · 1 death · $10,000 damage |
| Heavy snow & winter storms | 64 | Jan 2026 | Feb 5, 2010 · $2,000 damage |
| Flooding | 46 | May 2025 | Jan 19, 1996 · $20 million damage |
| Excessive heat | 42 | Jun 2025 | — |
| Extreme cold & wind chill | 18 | Feb 2026 | — |
| High winds | 14 | Apr 2023 | Sep 18, 2003 · $350,000 damage |
| Flash flooding | 13 | Jun 2015 | Nov 29, 2005 · $150,000 damage |
| Ice storms & sleet | 8 | Feb 2016 | Jan 14, 1999 · $10,000 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 Jefferson forecast zone and Jefferson County; damage is as reported, not adjusted for inflation.
Which radars cover Charles Town?
The closest NEXRAD Doppler radar is KLWX (Sterling, MD), about 29 miles 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 Charles Town | View |
|---|---|---|---|
| KLWX Sterling, MD | 29 mi southeast | 1,800 ft | Excellent — the lowest scan sees close to the ground |
| KCCX State College, PA | 115 mi north | 11,900 ft | Limited — the beam overshoots the lowest part of storms |
| KDOX Dover AFB, DE | 134 mi east-southeast | 15,200 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 Charles Town
Since 1950, NOAA has recorded 78 tornadoes within 25 miles of Charles Town, 10 of them EF2/F2 or stronger. Most came in June and July. The strongest was an F2 on September 17, 2004, which touched down about 11 miles northwest of town. The most recent was an EF1 on August 8, 2024, which passed about 14 miles south of town.
Hail: 309 reports of 1-inch or larger hail within 25 miles since 1955, 11 of them 2 inches or more; the largest was 3.50-inch hail on April 23, 1999.
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 Charles Town'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.
Charles Town radar FAQ
Where is the nearest weather radar to Charles Town, WV?
KLWX (Sterling, MD), about 29 miles southeast. KCCX (State College, PA) is 115 miles away and also covers the area.
Does radar show snow in Charles Town?
Yes. TALON colors snow blue, a rain–snow mix pink and freezing rain purple using NOAA's precipitation-type analysis. Over Charles Town the lowest scan from KLWX is about 1,800 ft up.
Is TALON's radar for Charles Town 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 Charles Town, follow it right away — see watch vs. warning.
Radar for nearby towns
- Ranson, WV radar 3 mi
- Shepherdstown, WV radar 12 mi
- Martinsburg, WV radar 14 mi
- Romney, WV radar 47 mi
- Moorefield, WV radar 59 mi
- Keyser, WV radar 60 mi