National Overview — Friday, September 19, 2025
A stalled upper trough over the central U.S. is sliding slowly east today. Scattered severe thunderstorms are expected from Missouri into parts of the southern Plains, while remnant tropical moisture brings pockets of heavy rain to California and the Southwest. Heat builds into the Ohio and Tennessee Valleys with highs in the mid to upper 90s. No significant snow threats today.
- Primary hazards: damaging winds and large hail in the central U.S.; heavy rain with localized flash flooding in CA/AZ/NM; brief tropical downpours in Southeast Florida.
- Driving impacts: sudden visibility drops, strong crosswinds, hydroplaning on wet roads, debris on grades and in washes, and heat-related stress for drivers and equipment.
Hotspot 1 — Southern Plains into Missouri
This afternoon and evening, scattered severe thunderstorms will develop with damaging winds and large hail. Greatest coverage is expected from Oklahoma and north Texas into Missouri and Arkansas. Be ready for rapid reductions in visibility and strong, shifting outflow winds.
- Key corridors: I-35 (OK/TX), I-44 (OK–MO), I-40 (TX Panhandle–OKC), I-49 (MO/AR), and I-70 (KS/MO).
- Impacts: sudden crosswinds impacting high-profile loads, wind-blown debris, quick ponding in heavy cores, and slick pavement under hail and heavy rain.
- Driver notes: reduce speed ahead of storm cores, allow extra following distance, and avoid parking under trees/signage during strong wind bursts.
Hotspot 2 — California and the Southwest
Tropical moisture from the remnants of Mario will produce periods of heavy rain with localized flash flooding, especially over burn scars and in normally dry washes. A few storms may also generate gusty to damaging winds. Expect slower travel and increased hydroplaning risk.
- Key corridors: I-5 (Grapevine), I-10 (CA–AZ), I-8, I-15 (Cajon Pass), I-17 (Phoenix–Flagstaff), I-40 (AZ/NM), and I-25 (NM).
- Impacts: quick water over low spots, reduced traction on steep grades, rockfall or minor debris near burn areas, and sudden visibility drops in heavy rain.
- Driver notes: avoid flooded dips and washes, watch for changing traction on climbs/descents, and secure loads against convective wind gusts.
Hotspot 3 — Southeast Florida
Scattered tropical downpours with brief 2–3 in/hr rain rates may cause ponding and urban flooding. Expect rapid visibility drops and standing water on multi-lane highways; reduce speed and increase spacing.
- Key corridors: I-95, Florida’s Turnpike, and I-75 (Alligator Alley).
- Impacts: hydroplaning risk in heavy bands, lane spray, and brief detours around waterlogged ramps or low-lying frontage roads.
- Driver notes: use lower speeds in heavy rain, avoid passing through water of unknown depth, and plan extra time for metro congestion.
Driver Safety Tip of the Day
In severe storms or tropical downpours, slow down before entering heavy rain, increase following distance, and never drive through flooded low spots or washes. Secure high-profile loads for potential crosswinds, and in today’s heat across the Ohio/Tennessee Valleys, schedule breaks to prevent heat stress for both driver and equipment.
Sources: National Weather Service, Weather Prediction Center, Storm Prediction Center, local NWS offices, state Departments of Transportation, and The Weather Channel.
This weather briefing was prepared exclusively for truckstopinsider.com.
