National Overview — Tuesday, September 16, 2025
A coastal low is driving rain, gusty onshore winds, and pockets of coastal flooding into the Mid-Atlantic, while much of the central U.S. stays unseasonably warm. Severe thunderstorms are possible this afternoon and evening in the Central High Plains, with a separate, more isolated risk in the Upper Midwest late day. A marginal risk of excessive rainfall exists nationally, with the best chance for localized ponding and minor flash flooding near the Mid-Atlantic coast. No significant snow threats are expected today, and there are no active tropical cyclones in the Atlantic basin.
Hotspot: Central High Plains (NE/CO/KS)
- Timing: This afternoon and evening.
- Hazards: Scattered severe thunderstorms with large hail, severe wind gusts, and a brief tornado possible.
- Main corridors: I-80 (western/central NE), I-70 (eastern CO into KS), I-76 (northeast CO), I-25 (Front Range CO).
- Driver impacts:
- Rapidly changing conditions: sudden downpours, hail, and strong crosswinds near storms.
- Reduced visibility and slick pavement under heavy rain and hail cores.
- Potential storm-related delays and temporary closures if severe weather impacts interchanges or rest areas.
- Actions:
- Plan high-profile or empty loads to clear exposed stretches before storms peak, or stage behind the line if timing is flexible.
- Identify sturdy shelters ahead of time; avoid stopping under overpasses or trees during hail or lightning.
- Increase following distance and reduce speed in heavy rain; be prepared for evasive action around hail accumulations.
Hotspot: VA Tidewater and NE North Carolina Coast
- Timing: Periods of rain and wind through today.
- Hazards: Heavy rain bands, 30–40+ mph wind gusts, high surf, and coastal flooding.
- Main corridors: Hampton Roads, including I-64 and I-264, and adjacent coastal routes.
- Driver impacts:
- Water over low-lying roads and ramps, especially during heavier bands and along tidal areas.
- Strong crosswinds on bridges and elevated spans; challenging for light or empty trailers.
- Slick surfaces from continuous rain and spray reducing visibility.
- Actions:
- Use inland alternates where feasible and allow extra time through the Hampton Roads corridor.
- Slow before entering bridges; maintain steady lane position and increase spacing from other vehicles.
- Do not drive through flooded roadways; reroute to higher ground and monitor local advisories.
Hotspot: Upper Midwest (eastern SD into northeast MN)
- Timing: Late day and evening.
- Hazards: Isolated strong to severe thunderstorms with hail and damaging winds; brief downpours.
- Main corridors: I-29 (SD) and I-94 (MN).
- Driver impacts:
- Localized visibility reductions and quick ponding in heavy cells.
- Spotty but strong wind bursts capable of pushing high-profile vehicles.
- Actions:
- Time departures to avoid the late-day peak where possible; have alternate stops identified between storms.
- Monitor radar and alerts for cell movement; slow down when entering heavy rain and hail.
Driver Safety Tip of the Day
Storms and coastal systems change conditions quickly. Before rolling, review your route for bridges, low-lying segments, and limited shoulders. Build extra time into ETAs, keep fuel and washer fluid topped off, and never attempt to cross flooded roadways. If severe weather approaches, seek a safe place to wait it out rather than stopping on the shoulder in traffic.
Sources: National Weather Service, Storm Prediction Center, Weather Prediction Center, National Hurricane Center, state and local DOTs, and The Weather Channel.
This weather briefing was prepared exclusively for truckstopinsider.com.
