National Overview — Friday, October 3, 2025
A strong fall storm is moving into the West, bringing showers, gusty winds, and high-elevation snow to the Intermountain West and northern Rockies. Farther east, a broad ridge keeps the Plains, Midwest, and Great Lakes unusually warm. Along Florida’s east coast, persistent onshore flow will drive repeated bands of heavy rain. A marginal severe-storm risk is in place today from the Great Basin into the central and northern Rockies.
East Florida Coast — Heavy Rain and Urban Flooding
Repeated Atlantic-fed showers will focus along the I-95 corridor from Miami/Ft. Lauderdale through the Space and First Coasts, with brief torrential downpours also possible near I-4 around Orlando. Expect ponding, reduced visibility, and localized street flooding. No active Atlantic tropical cyclone is influencing Florida today, but marine hazards remain elevated.
- Primary corridors: I-95 (Miami to Jacksonville), I-4 (Orlando area).
- Driving impacts: Hydroplaning risk, sudden visibility drops in downpours, slow urban drainage.
- Actions: Reduce speed in heavy rain, allow extra stopping distance, avoid flooded lanes and low spots, plan extra time for port/terminal approaches where marine hazards can affect coastal access roads.
Intermountain West into the Central/Northern Rockies — Strong Winds, Scattered Severe Storms
Scattered thunderstorms this afternoon and tonight may produce isolated severe wind gusts and small hail from eastern Utah and western Colorado into western Wyoming and eastern Idaho. Sudden crosswinds and blowing dust are possible.
- Primary corridors: I-80 (NV–UT–WY), I-15 (UT–ID), I-70 (UT–CO).
- Driving impacts: Rapidly shifting winds, localized dust reducing visibility, brief heavy rain and small hail.
- Actions: Secure light/high-profile loads, monitor for dust plumes near open basins, space out in convective cells, and time mountain crossings outside of stronger afternoon/evening storm windows when possible.
Northern Rockies High Terrain of WY/MT — Early-Season Snow and Slick Passes
As the western system deepens, snow develops late today into the weekend over higher peaks (Absaroka/Bighorn ranges). Winter Storm Watches are posted. The Beartooth Highway (US‑212) is scheduled to close at 12 PM MDT today due to the incoming storm. Nearby interstates I‑90 (MT/WY) and I‑25 (WY) may encounter wintry travel near adjacent passes and strong crosswinds.
- Primary routes: US‑212 (Beartooth Highway), I‑90 (MT/WY), I‑25 (WY).
- Driving impacts: Slick/icy conditions at higher elevations, reduced visibility in snow and low clouds, strong crosswinds.
- Actions: Check pass status and closures before departure, be prepared for winter driving above pass levels, carry cold-weather gear, and secure trailers for crosswinds.
Safety Tip of the Day
Match your speed to conditions and give yourself margin: in heavy rain or mountain weather, slow down, increase following distance, and avoid sudden lane changes. Never drive through flooded roadways, and verify mountain pass restrictions or closures before committing to high-elevation routes.
Sources: National Weather Service (Weather Prediction Center, Storm Prediction Center), local NWS offices, state DOTs, and The Weather Channel.
This weather briefing was prepared exclusively for truckstopinsider.com.
