Extreme Weather and Unstable Roads: How to Prepare for the New Normal in U.S. Trucking

As climate disruptions grow more frequent and intense, America\’s trucking industry faces a new reality: unpredictable routes, rising risks, and mounting pressure on drivers and logistics operators alike.

1. A rapidly changing environment

The U.S. road freight sector is under mounting stress from climate extremes. Severe storms, wildfires, flash floods, and now tsunami alerts are disrupting highways, increasing costs, and jeopardizing safety. The World Meteorological Organization and World Economic Forum have both warned of the escalating frequency and severity of extreme weather linked to climate change.

Recent events highlight this trend: wildfires on the West Coast, record-breaking rains overwhelming levees and roads, and a tsunami alert issued for California—all of which complicate route planning and challenge timely deliveries.

2. The tsunami alert and its logistics impact

On July 30, 2025, a magnitude 8.8 earthquake off the Russian coast triggered tsunami alerts across Hawaii, Alaska, and the U.S. West Coast. In California, warnings and advisories were issued for Crescent City, Humboldt, Santa Barbara, Monterey, and the San Francisco Bay Area.

Crescent City experienced wave surges of up to four feet above normal tide levels, resulting in approximately $1 million in damages to port infrastructure, including critical assets like the H Dock. While there were no casualties, the event exposed the vulnerability of coastal supply routes and emphasized the need for fast, integrated logistics protocols.

3. Impacts on routes and operators

Temporary closures and detours can halt or delay access to vital roads like I-5 or US 101, especially in coastal zones or near major ports. Such disruptions lead to extended driving hours, higher diesel consumption, increased mechanical wear, and mounting operational costs.

Driver safety also comes under strain. Exposure to extreme conditions heightens the risk of dehydration, fatigue, or crashes—especially in rapid evacuation scenarios. The need for robust training and onboard emergency protocols is now more critical than ever.

4. Tools for building climate resilience in trucking

a) Weather Responsive Management Systems (WRMS)
Promoted by the Federal Highway Administration, these systems leverage real-time data from connected vehicles, GPS, and hyperlocal weather forecasts. This enables preemptive rerouting around high-risk zones, such as flood-prone areas or wildfire corridors, and reduces exposure to dangerous post-tsunami conditions.

b) Operational forecasting platforms
Fleet managers are increasingly combining weather intelligence with route planning software to predict failures on key lanes and communicate delays to customers and brokers. Proactive planning can mitigate last-minute disruptions and preserve delivery integrity.

c) Infrastructure risk assessments
State and local governments are now upgrading roads, signage, and bridges to withstand heatwaves, floods, and erosion. Measures include raising bridge decks, reinforcing roadbeds, and improving stormwater drainage systems.

5. Operational and communication strategies

To remain resilient, carriers and logistics providers must adopt a new mindset:

• Avoid coastal zones when alerts are active—even short ones.

• Maintain constant communication with local DOT offices and emergency broadcasters.

• Train drivers on evacuation, hydration, and supply storage.

• Establish clear contract clauses with brokers regarding weather-related delays.

• Continuously monitor high-risk areas like Crescent City post-alerts.