U.S. Trucking Weather Brief — Friday, September 26, 2025

National overview: A mid-level low over the Southwest is the main driver of hazardous weather today. Expect thunderstorms with locally heavy rain from southern and central Arizona into far southwest New Mexico, where a Marginal risk for severe storms and a Slight risk for excessive rainfall are in place. Another Slight risk for excessive rainfall covers eastern California into western Nevada, including the Sierra and the Tahoe region. Over the Atlantic, Tropical Storm Humberto is strengthening over the central Atlantic, and a disturbance near the Bahamas (AL94) may organize, sending increasing swells and rip-current hazards toward the Southeast coast and supporting coastal bands of downpours and gusts.

South/Central Arizona into far Southwest New Mexico

Threat: Strong thunderstorms with hail, 40–60 mph wind gusts, and brief flash flooding.

Primary corridors: I-10 (Tucson–Las Cruces), I-17 (Phoenix–Flagstaff), I-19 (Nogales–Tucson), I-8 (Yuma corridor).
Driving impacts: Sudden visibility drops in downpours, water over low crossings and washes, and slick roads from hail cores. Wind-driven crosswinds possible near storm outflows.
Actions: Reduce speed in heavy rain, avoid flooded dips and washes, and allow extra stopping distance. Consider adjusting departure/arrival windows around the strongest storm periods along desert stretches.

Eastern California into Western Nevada (Sierra and Tahoe Area)

Threat: Periods of heavy rain with a flash-flood risk in steep terrain and dry washes; gusty, shifting winds around showers.

Primary corridors: I-80 (Donner Pass/Tahoe), US-395 (Owens Valley–Reno), I-580/US-50 near Carson City.
Driving impacts: Rockfall on canyon and mountain grades, ponding in low spots, rapidly changing winds near showers/squalls, and reduced visibility in heavier rain bands.
Actions: Slow before curves and downgrade sections where debris may be present, increase following distance, and be prepared for brief wind shifts when passing through showers.

Southeast Atlantic Coast (FL–GA–SC–NC)

Threat: Increasing ocean swells and rip currents as AL94 organizes near the Bahamas, with coastal bands of downpours and gusts.

Primary corridors: Coastal stretches of I-95 and US-17.
Driving impacts: Brief heavy rain near the coast with localized ponding; gusts on exposed bridges and causeways; spray and lower visibility during squalls.
Actions: Use caution on bridges/causeways, watch for standing water in right lanes, and monitor updates if operating near ports or barrier islands.

Safety Tip of the Day

When rain intensity suddenly increases, treat it like fog: hazard lights off, headlights on, slow down smoothly, and leave at least a 6–8 second gap. Never drive through water covering the roadway—turn around and find a higher route.

Sources: National Weather Service, Storm Prediction Center, Weather Prediction Center, National Hurricane Center, state Departments of Transportation, and The Weather Channel.

This weather briefing was prepared exclusively for truckstopinsider.com.