National Overview — Wednesday, October 22, 2025
A cool, unsettled pattern holds across the Great Lakes while a cold front pushes showers over the Appalachians into the Mid-Atlantic and New England. Expect gusty west to northwest winds to spread from the Midwest and Ohio Valley into the Mid-Atlantic today, with brisk, cooler conditions behind the front. Scattered thunderstorms are forecast over the Great Basin. Southern Texas stays much warmer than average.
- Plan for wet roads and blowing spray east of the front from the Appalachians to the coast.
- Behind the front, W–NW crosswinds will be an issue on many east–west routes in the Midwest/Ohio Valley and into the central Appalachians and Mid-Atlantic.
- Great Basin storms may produce brief downpours and gusty outflow winds, causing quick drops in visibility.
Lake Erie Corridor (OH/PA/NY)
Narrow, shifting bands of lake-effect rain with embedded thunder will reduce visibility and cause rapid changes in road conditions today, especially downwind of Lake Erie.
- Primary impacts along I-90 from Cleveland–Erie–Buffalo and on I-79 near Erie.
- Localized heavy rain is possible in persistent bands; expect ponding, hydroplaning risk, and abrupt slowdowns.
- Gusty W–NW flow can push bands inland and shift them with little notice—use extra caution when entering and exiting heavier cores.
- Tactics: reduce speed before entering heavier bands, increase following distance, and use headlights early. Consider short delays to let the most intense bands pass.
Midwest/Ohio Valley into the Central Appalachians and Mid-Atlantic (IN/OH/PA/WV/MD/VA)
Blustery west–northwest winds behind the cold front today will challenge high-profile vehicles, especially on wet pavement.
- Crosswind and blowing-spray issues along east–west routes including I-70 (IN–OH–WV–PA), I-76 (PA Turnpike), and I-68 (WV–MD).
- Expect stronger gusts on exposed ridge-top segments of I-81 (PA–MD–VA).
- Operational notes: lighten speed, avoid running empty or lightly loaded trailers where possible, and favor north–south alternates if routing allows to reduce crosswind exposure.
- Behind the front, cooler air may lead to wet-to-dry transitions; watch for variable traction and wind-driven spray when overtaking or being overtaken.
Great Basin (NV/UT/ID)
Scattered thunderstorms develop today with brief downpours and gusty outflow winds.
- Impacts along I-15 (Las Vegas–Cedar City–Salt Lake City), I-80 (NV–UT), and I-84 (UT–ID).
- Expect slick roads and sudden visibility reductions near storm cells; outflow winds can arrive ahead of rain.
- Slow down on first rain after dry stretches, avoid abrupt lane changes in gusts, and do not overtake in heavy spray. Consider pausing if visibility drops sharply.
Safety Tip of the Day
With widespread W–NW winds, minimize crosswind exposure by securing loads, keeping trailers as full as practical, and preferring north–south segments when feasible. On wet roads, increase following distance and brake earlier and more gently to prevent skids. If visibility drops suddenly in rain bands or storm outflows, reduce speed smoothly and use hazard flashers only when moving significantly below traffic speed.
Sources: National Weather Service, Weather Prediction Center, local NWS offices, state DOT road reports, and The Weather Channel.
This weather briefing was prepared exclusively for truckstopinsider.com.
