National Overview — Sunday, November 16, 2025
A strengthening storm in the East is spreading wintry weather from the Great Lakes into northern New England, with the highest impacts in Maine today into tonight. In the West, a Pacific system continues to bring rain and mountain snow from California into the Great Basin; snow levels in the Sierra are lowering to near major pass elevations. It’s unseasonably warm across Texas, and breezy/dry post-frontal conditions may elevate fire concerns in parts of the southern Mid-Atlantic and Ohio Valley.
Planning note: Additional heavy rain returns to Southern California on Monday. If you’re staging loads for Monday delivery, anticipate possible rockslides or flash flooding on canyon routes and steep grades.
Northern New England and Interior Northeast — Snow/Wintry Mix, Gusty Winds
What to expect:
- Several inches of snow in higher terrain, with pockets of freezing rain possible in the Adirondacks and the Green/White Mountains.
- Maine has the greatest risk for impactful snow and blowing snow today into tonight.
- Gusty winds will reduce visibility at times and drift snow across lanes.
Where/Routes:
- ME, NH, VT, northern NY
- Key corridors: I-95 (ME), I-87 Adirondack Northway (NY), I-89 (VT/NH), I-91 (VT/NH/MA)
Driver tactics:
- Expect slick bridges/overpasses and spotty ice where freezing rain develops; slow early on grades and ramps.
- Plan fuel and rest stops before the heaviest bands, especially if crossing into Maine late day or tonight.
- Increase following distance; anticipate plow operations and blowing snow in open terrain.
Great Lakes Snow Belts — Lake-Effect Bands
What to expect:
- Lake-effect snow developing behind the departing system, with locally heavy, banded snow.
- Sudden visibility drops and quick accumulations under the most intense bands.
Where/Routes:
- Western NY and northwest PA
- Key corridors: I-90 NY Thruway (Buffalo–Rochester), I-86 (southern tier NY), I-79 (Erie–Pittsburgh)
Driver tactics:
- Expect rapid transitions from dry pavement to snow-covered lanes; avoid abrupt lane changes in bands.
- Leave extra space for braking; do not pass active plows.
- Build time buffers for repeated band crossings, especially near Buffalo, Erie, and along ridge tops.
Sierra Nevada, CA — High-Elevation Snow and Mountain Winds
What to expect:
- Periods of snow today into tonight with snow levels lowering to around 7,000 ft by Sunday morning.
- 1–2 feet of snow (locally up to 3 ft) possible above roughly 8,000 ft.
- Slick, snow-packed sections and possible chain controls.
Where/Routes:
- Central and southern Sierra
- Key corridors: I-80 (Donner Summit), US-50 (Echo Summit), CA-88 (Carson Pass), US-395 along the east side
Driver tactics:
- Carry chains and verify chain requirements before climbing; expect delays at summits and checkpoints.
- Watch for strong mountain winds on exposed stretches; reduce speed for crosswind gusts.
- Stage, fuel, and rest at lower elevations if your schedule allows until road conditions improve.
Daily Safety Tip
Fire weather concerns are possible today in parts of the southern Mid-Atlantic and Ohio Valley under breezy, dry post-frontal conditions. Avoid parking or idling over dry grass, ensure no dragging equipment or loose chains that could spark, and keep a fire extinguisher accessible. In snow zones, slow before curves and crests, keep lights on, and give plows and treatment crews ample room to work.
Sources: National Weather Service, Weather Prediction Center, local NWS offices, state DOTs, and The Weather Channel.
This weather briefing was prepared exclusively for truckstopinsider.com.
