National Overview — Saturday, October 11, 2025
A Western trough tapping deep tropical moisture is driving widespread heavy rain across the Desert Southwest and Four Corners, with flash-flood risks highest today into tonight. A separate coastal low is spreading periods of heavy rain and strong onshore winds along parts of the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic coasts today into tonight. Farther north and west, early-season mountain snow develops tonight into Sunday across the Northern Rockies and the Washington Cascades, bringing slick, wintry conditions to higher passes.
Hotspot 1: Desert Southwest to Four Corners (Highest impacts today/tonight)
Widespread heavy rain will produce numerous flash-flood risks, especially near slot canyons, burn scars, and normally dry washes.
- Timing: Highest impacts today through tonight.
- Hazards: Rapid-onset flash flooding, water over roadways, debris flows near burn scars, reduced visibility in heavy downpours.
- Key Routes:
- I-10 (southeast CA into AZ)
- I-17 (Phoenix–Flagstaff)
- I-40 (western NM–AZ)
- I-15 (Las Vegas–St. George)
- Driving Notes:
- Never drive through flooded low crossings or washes; turn around if water covers the roadway.
- Expect closures or slowdowns near vulnerable canyons and dry washes; plan extra time and fuel.
- Watch for ponding, hydroplaning, and sudden dust-to-downpour visibility drops in desert corridors.
Hotspot 2: Southeast and Mid-Atlantic Coast (Today into tonight)
A coastal low will bring periods of heavy rain, coastal flooding near high tide, and gusty onshore winds that can exceed 45 mph. Expect standing water, strong crosswinds on exposed bridges, and reduced visibility.
- Timing: Through today and tonight, edging north with time.
- Hazards: Heavy rain bands, coastal flooding at high tide, gusty onshore winds, slick roads, reduced visibility.
- Key Routes:
- I-95 (Jacksonville–Savannah–Fayetteville–Richmond corridor)
- I-64 (Hampton Roads)
- Other coastal routes in coastal GA/SC into coastal NC and southeast VA
- Driving Notes:
- High-profile vehicles: anticipate strong crosswinds, especially on causeways and bridges.
- Slow down in heavy rain; expect standing water in low spots and on-ramps.
- Plan around high-tide windows in flood-prone coastal zones; consider alternate inland routes if needed.
Hotspot 3: Northern Rockies and Washington Cascades (Tonight into Sunday)
Early-season mountain snow arrives tonight into Sunday. Light accumulations are possible on major Washington Cascade passes, with heavier totals above 5,000–7,000 ft in the MT/WY ranges. Expect slick travel and reduced traction overnight into Sunday morning.
- Timing: Deteriorating conditions late tonight; impacts into Sunday morning.
- Hazards: Snow and slush on higher passes, reduced traction, areas of fog/low clouds.
- Key Routes:
- WA Cascades: I-90 Snoqualmie Pass and nearby passes
- Northern ID/western MT: I-90 Lookout Pass area
- Higher passes in western/central MT and northwest WY
- Driving Notes:
- Target daylight crossings where possible; expect slower speeds on grades and curves.
- Be prepared for wintry conditions and reduced traction; allow extra stopping distance.
- Check pass reports before departure and stage accordingly if conditions worsen overnight.
Closing Safety Tip
Plan extra time today. Avoid flooded low crossings in the Southwest, use caution for crosswinds and ponding along the Southeast/Mid-Atlantic coast, and be prepared for wintry travel on higher passes late tonight into Sunday. When in doubt, slow down, increase following distance, and reassess routes before committing to mountain passes or coastal bridges during peak impacts.
Sources: National Weather Service (Weather Prediction Center and local forecast offices), NOAA, state Departments of Transportation, and The Weather Channel.
This weather briefing was prepared exclusively for truckstopinsider.com.
