National Overview — Sunday, September 21, 2025
A slow-moving upper trough and nearby fronts will spark clusters of showers and thunderstorms from the southern Plains through the Midwest and Ohio Valley today. Expect localized heavy rain with a few strong to severe storms in these zones. The West trends cooler, with scattered showers moving into the Pacific Northwest and northern Rockies, and isolated heavy downpours returning to central Arizona. No widespread snow or non-thunderstorm high-wind hazards are highlighted nationally; rainfall and convective threats are the main impacts for drivers.
Hotspot: Southern Plains–Ozarks (OK/KS/AR/MO; north TX possible)
- Setup: Repeated storms over the day and evening may produce 1–3 inches of rain, with pockets of flash flooding most likely near the MO/KS/AR/OK border.
- Severe Potential: Isolated severe storms with hail and damaging wind gusts are possible in north TX and southern OK.
- Main Corridors: I‑35 (Wichita–OKC–DFW), I‑44 (OKC–Tulsa–Springfield, MO), I‑49 (NW AR/SW MO), I‑40 (OK–AR).
- Driver Notes: Expect ponding, hydroplaning risk, and rapid drops in visibility under heavier cells. Build in extra time on the listed corridors, avoid low-water crossings, and stage fuel/rest stops around the most active storm windows.
Hotspot: Ohio Valley to Southern Great Lakes (MO/IL/IN/OH/MI/KY)
- Timing: Scattered afternoon and evening thunderstorms.
- Hazards: Localized damaging winds and downpours.
- Main Corridors: I‑70 (St. Louis–Indianapolis–Columbus), I‑65 (IN), I‑71 (KY–OH), I‑75 (Cincinnati–Toledo–Detroit).
- Driver Notes: Be ready for quick slowdowns in heavy rain and gusty outflow winds. Secure light/empty trailers, and anticipate brief urban flooding and reduced visibility during the strongest cells.
Hotspot: Northern Plains/Upper Midwest (NE/SD into southern MN/northern IA)
- Timing: Late-day thunderstorms as a compact upper low drops southeast.
- Hazards: Large hail and strong wind gusts.
- Main Corridors: I‑29 (eastern SD), I‑90 (SD/MN), I‑35 (southern MN), I‑80 (northern IA).
- Driver Notes: Consider front-loading miles earlier in the day. Have sturdy shelter options in mind for hail. Expect sharp wind shifts and brief severe weather near storm cores.
Concluding Safety Tip
When storms are in the forecast, slow down before the rain intensifies, increase following distance, and never drive through flooded roadways—turn around if water covers the lane. If hail or damaging winds are imminent, seek a safe, covered location and wait out the worst of the storm.
Sources: National Weather Service (Weather Prediction Center and Storm Prediction Center), local NWS offices, and The Weather Channel.
This weather briefing was prepared exclusively for truckstopinsider.com.
