National Overview — Wed, Nov 5, 2025
A Pacific system keeps the Northwest and northern California unsettled with periods of heavy rain, gusty winds, and a limited flash‑flood threat. Farther east, a vigorous disturbance brings strong, potentially damaging winds and some thunderstorms from the northern Mid‑Atlantic into southern New England. Higher‑elevation snow develops tonight in parts of the northern Rockies.
Pacific Northwest and Northern California (WA/OR/north CA)
Bands of rain and coastal/mountain wind gusts at times today; localized flooding is possible.
- What to expect: Periods of heavy rain, reduced visibility, ponding of water, debris on roadways, and gusty winds near the coast and higher terrain.
- Routes of concern: I‑5 (Seattle–Portland–Redding), I‑84 through the Columbia River Gorge, and US‑101 along the coast.
- Driver actions: Slow down in heavy rain, increase following distance, avoid standing water, and secure/lighten sail area where possible in exposed corridors. Plan for delays in typical choke points and along coastal stretches.
Northern Mid‑Atlantic to Southern New England (PA/NJ/NY/CT/RI/MA)
Strong winds build late today into tonight with High Wind Watches in effect and a few severe storms possible this afternoon/evening.
- What to expect: Difficult handling for high‑profile vehicles, spotty power outages, and brief severe thunderstorms.
- Routes of concern: I‑95, I‑84, I‑90, and I‑87.
- Operational note: New York will restrict empty tractor‑trailers and tandems on several MTA bridges beginning this evening (8 p.m. Wed).
- Driver actions: Tighten load securement, reschedule bridge crossings before restrictions where feasible, and consider alternate routing to avoid exposed spans during peak winds.
Northern Rockies / Continental Divide (mainly MT, spreading into ID high passes late)
Light to moderate snow develops over higher terrain tonight with slick travel over passes; increasing wind gusts expected in parts of northern Montana into Thursday.
- What to expect: Deteriorating traction over high passes and areas of crosswinds.
- Routes of concern: I‑90 (Bozeman, Homestake, Lookout Passes) and I‑15 along the Rocky Mountain Front.
- Driver actions: Prepare for winter driving on passes, allow extra time for climbs/descents, and watch for rapid changes in visibility and grip after sunset.
Safety Tip of the Day
When winds increase ahead of rain or snow, reduce speed before entering exposed bridges, gaps, and ridgelines. Keep both hands on the wheel, leave extra room to the leeward side of large vehicles, and avoid flooded lanes—turn around if water covers the centerline.
Sources: National Weather Service Weather Prediction Center, local National Weather Service offices, state DOTs, and major broadcast weather outlets such as The Weather Channel.
This weather briefing was prepared exclusively for truckstopinsider.com.
