National Overview — Tuesday, November 18, 2025
A Western storm continues today. Rain spreads from California into the Southwest, with a few thunderstorms possible this morning across central/southern California. High-elevation snow lingers over parts of the Sierra and Interior West. Farther east, a low tracking from the Central Rockies toward the Ohio Valley brings a broad swath of rain to the Mid/Lower Mississippi and Ohio Valleys with a narrow stripe of light snow on the northern edge. Scattered coastal showers persist in Florida.
West Coast passes (Sierra/White Mountains) may see early snow and chain controls. Conditions ease in California later today while showers and a few storms shift into Arizona tonight.
Hotspot: Southern California and the Southwest — Heavy Rain/Flash-Flood Risk
- Risk level: Slight Risk for excessive rainfall focused on Southern California early today (Transverse Ranges/Los Angeles area).
- Hazards: Localized urban and burn-scar flooding, ponding, brief roadway flooding, reduced visibility.
- Key corridors: I-5 (Los Angeles County/Tejon Pass vicinity) and US-101 (Santa Barbara–Ventura) this morning; Marginal Risk expands into Arizona and the Lower Colorado Valley through tonight with impacts possible on I-10 and I-17 around Phoenix.
- Driver notes: Slow down on water-covered lanes, avoid flooded dips/underpasses, watch for debris flows near recent burn scars. Expect changing speeds and short-notice lane restrictions in heavier cells.
Hotspot: Upper Midwest — Southern Minnesota into Central Wisconsin Snow Band
- Timing: This morning into midday.
- Set-up: A compact deformation-band snow from south of the Twin Cities across central Wisconsin.
- Amounts/impacts: 40–70% chance of over 2 inches in the stripe; winter weather advisories in effect.
- Key corridors: I-35 (south of MSP), I-90, I-94, and I-39 — expect slick stretches, variable traction, and slower travel.
- Driver notes: Increase following distance, anticipate icy bridges/ramps, and be prepared for plow operations and brief near-whiteout conditions in heavier bands.
Hotspot: Eastern Great Lakes — Lake-Effect Snow Belts (NY/PA)
- Pattern: West-northwest flow sustains lake-effect bands into today.
- Focus areas: Southeast of Lake Erie into north-central PA and near/south of Syracuse, NY.
- Key corridors: I-90 (Buffalo–Syracuse), I-81 (near Syracuse), I-86, and I-79 (near Erie).
- Driver notes: Expect rapidly changing visibility, quick accumulations, snow squall-like conditions, and drifting in open stretches. Slow down and avoid sudden lane changes.
Additional Regional Notes
- Mid/Lower Mississippi & Ohio Valleys: Periods of rain with a narrow ribbon of light snow on the northern edge — watch for early-season slick spots where rain transitions to wet snow.
- Interior West/Sierra: Lingering high-elevation snow early; monitor for chain requirements over higher passes before conditions ease later today.
- Florida: Scattered coastal showers — brief downpours may reduce traction and visibility on coastal routes.
Concluding Safety Tip
Plan extra time and build flexibility into schedules where heavy rain, lake-effect bands, or snow is expected. Verify chain status before mountain travel, keep speeds down in standing water or slush, and maintain extended following distances. Check local NWS statements and DOT updates along your exact route before departure and at scheduled breaks.
Sources: National Weather Service, Weather Prediction Center, local NWS offices, state Departments of Transportation, The Weather Channel.
This weather briefing was prepared exclusively for truckstopinsider.com.
