National Overview — Tuesday, October 7, 2025
A cold front from the Great Lakes to the Gulf is sliding east today. Expect the heaviest rain to focus from the Mid‑South into the Ohio Valley this morning and early afternoon, shifting into the Ohio Valley and Central Appalachians later today. Severe storm risk is generally low nationwide, with a marginal risk confined to western and central New Mexico this afternoon and evening. No significant snow impacts are expected in the Lower 48. There are no Atlantic tropical cyclones; Hurricane Priscilla remains in the Eastern Pacific with no direct U.S. impacts today.
Hotspot: Mid‑South to Ohio Valley (morning to early afternoon)
Repeating downpours along and ahead of the front will produce ponding, reduced visibility, and localized flash flooding from Arkansas and Tennessee into Kentucky, southern Indiana, and southern Ohio.
- Timing: Heaviest through the morning into early afternoon.
- Hazards: Hydroplaning, brief urban/small-stream flooding, rapid slowdowns in heavier cores.
- Routes: I‑40 (Memphis–Nashville), I‑55 (AR/TN), I‑65 (TN/KY), I‑70 (IN/OH).
- Driver notes: Slow 5–10 mph below posted speeds in heavy rain, increase following distance, and avoid flooded lanes and shoulders.
Hotspot: Ohio Valley to Central Appalachians (afternoon to evening)
The heavy rain shield shifts east with a continued Slight Risk of excessive rainfall across Kentucky, West Virginia, and parts of Ohio. Expect water over low spots and urban stretches, with quick reductions in visibility under the strongest cells.
- Timing: Mainly afternoon through evening commute.
- Hazards: Ponding, localized flash flooding, slick ramps/merges.
- Routes: I‑64 (KY/WV), I‑71 and I‑75 (KY/OH), I‑77 (WV/OH).
- Driver notes: Plan extra time on grades and through urban corridors; watch for disabled vehicles in standing water.
Hotspot: Western and Central New Mexico (afternoon to evening)
Scattered thunderstorms with small hail and isolated severe wind gusts are expected. Cells will be hit‑or‑miss but can briefly drop hail and produce sudden crosswinds.
- Risk level: Marginal (isolated severe).
- Hazards: Brief hail accumulation, 40–60 mph gust potential in stronger storms, sudden heavy rain.
- Routes: I‑40 (Gallup–Albuquerque–Santa Rosa), I‑25 (Socorro–Albuquerque–Santa Fe).
- Driver notes: Be prepared for rapid speed reductions; seek shelter under overpasses only if safely parked off the travel lanes.
Outside the Hotspots
Elsewhere, conditions are comparatively quiet with a low severe weather risk and no significant winter weather expected. Light to moderate showers may still affect parts of the eastward-moving frontal zone, so expect intermittent wet pavement and reduced visibility.
Safety Tip of the Day
Hydroplaning prevention: Ensure proper tire tread and pressure, slow down in heavy rain, avoid cruise control on wet roads, and leave at least 6–8 seconds of following distance. Never drive through water that obscures lane markings—turn around and choose an alternate route.
Sources: National Weather Service, Weather Prediction Center, Storm Prediction Center, local NWS forecast offices, state Departments of Transportation, The Weather Channel.
This weather briefing was prepared exclusively for truckstopinsider.com.
