North America Weather & Natural Hazards Today — Wednesday, November 11, 2026

United States, Canada, Mexico, Alaska, Hawaii & Greenland | Winter Storms, Atmospheric Rivers, Flooding, Wildfires, Earthquakes & Tropical Weather

By Paul Harrison | Orbis Weather

Published: Wednesday, November 11, 2026
Latest information reviewed: November 11, 2026, morning Eastern Standard Time (EST)

🌎 North America Weather Overview

A developing series of Pacific storms, mountain snow, coastal hazards and localized flooding are among the leading weather concerns across North America on Wednesday, November 11, 2026.

The Pacific Northwest and western Canada face the prospect of repeated heavy rainfall, while California’s mountain regions are preparing for deteriorating winter conditions. Elsewhere, localized flood warnings affect parts of the southern United States, and seismic activity continues along the Pacific margin.

The most important developments include:

• 🌧️ Pacific Northwest and British Columbia: Repeated Pacific storms are increasing the risk of heavy rain, flooding and landslides.

• ❄️ California: Winter storm watches cover parts of the Sierra Nevada, with potentially hazardous mountain travel.

• 🌊 California coast: Dangerous surf is a concern along portions of the central coastline.

• 🌊 United States flooding: Localized flood warnings have been reported in Florida, Texas, Arizona and Washington.

• 🌎 Earthquakes: A magnitude 4.7 earthquake was recorded offshore of Vancouver Island, Canada, early Wednesday UTC.

• 🌀 Atlantic tropics: NOAA forecasts no tropical cyclone formation during the next seven days across the Atlantic, Caribbean Sea and Gulf of Mexico.

These developments do not represent a single continent-wide emergency. Weather conditions and warning levels vary considerably between regions.

🇺🇸 1. United States Weather Today

🌧️ Pacific Northwest — Heavy Rain and Flooding Concerns

Washington and Oregon remain important areas to monitor as Pacific storm systems move inland.

Western Washington, particularly the Olympic Peninsula and Cascade foothills, faces an elevated risk of prolonged rainfall. A succession of storms can saturate soils, increase river levels and destabilize steep terrain.

Forecast concerns include:

• Heavy rainfall in coastal and mountainous areas.

• Rising rivers and streams following repeated precipitation.

• Localized flooding in poorly drained communities.

• Landslides and debris flows on vulnerable slopes.

• Strong winds affecting exposed coastal locations.

• Snow at higher mountain elevations.

Forecast information published Wednesday indicates that portions of the coastal mountains of British Columbia, Vancouver Island and Washington’s Olympic Mountains could receive approximately 4–8 inches (102–203 mm) of rain through Saturday night, with isolated locations potentially receiving more.

These are multi-day forecast totals, not rainfall amounts already observed.

Travelers should monitor road closures and flood advisories, particularly where mountain highways cross steep terrain.

❄️ California — Sierra Nevada Winter Storm Threat

Winter weather is becoming a more significant concern across California’s higher elevations.

Early Wednesday warning summaries identified winter storm watches covering portions of the Sierra Nevada, including areas near Interstate 80 and Highway 50, along with Mono County and the eastern Sierra slopes.

Potential impacts include:

• Accumulating mountain snow.

• Reduced visibility during heavier snowfall.

• Slippery mountain passes.

• Chain restrictions or temporary road closures.

• Difficult travel during periods of strong winds and blowing snow.

A winter storm watch indicates that significant winter weather is possible. It does not mean dangerous conditions have already developed throughout the watch area.

Motorists traveling through the Sierra Nevada should consult Caltrans and the National Weather Service before departure.

🌊 California Coast — Dangerous Surf

A high surf warning was identified for portions of the central California coastline, including the San Francisco area, southern Monterey Bay and Big Sur.

Large breaking waves can create hazardous conditions even when the weather appears relatively calm inland.

Beachgoers should avoid exposed rocks, jetties and steep beaches where unexpected waves can sweep people into the ocean.

The warning was listed as extending into the weekend in an early Wednesday summary. Its exact status and expiration should be checked locally before travel.

🌊 Florida, Texas and Arizona — Localized Flood Warnings

Flood warnings were reported in several parts of the southern United States early Wednesday.

Areas identified in the warning summary included:

These warnings do not necessarily indicate new widespread rainfall across all listed locations. Some flood warnings concern rivers or waterways responding to earlier precipitation.

Importantly, NOAA’s Weather Prediction Center displayed no broad excessive-rainfall risk area for November 11, 12 or 13 in its morning outlook. Localized flooding can still occur outside a designated widespread risk area.

Residents should avoid flooded roads and consult their local National Weather Service office for current warning details.

🌨️ Great Lakes, Midwest and Northeast

November marks an important transition toward winter across the northern United States.

The Great Lakes region can experience lake-effect snow when cold air travels across relatively warmer lake waters. Such events can produce highly localized snowfall, sometimes with substantial differences between neighboring communities.

Areas that routinely require monitoring include Michigan, Wisconsin, northern Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania and western New York.

However, this morning’s reviewed information does not establish a specific active lake-effect snow warning for every one of these locations.

Across the Northeast, changing temperatures, early-season freezing conditions and rapidly shifting weather remain seasonal concerns. Residents should use local forecasts rather than assuming that conditions are uniform across the region.

🇨🇦 2. Canada Weather & Natural Hazards

🌧️ British Columbia — Atmospheric River and Flooding Risk

British Columbia is one of the principal areas of concern in today’s North American weather pattern.

Pacific moisture is expected to bring repeated periods of heavy rainfall to portions of the province, particularly Vancouver Island and the coastal mountain ranges.

Forecast rainfall through Saturday night includes approximately:

The largest totals are localized possibilities rather than amounts expected everywhere.

Potential consequences include swollen rivers, urban flooding, slope instability and disruption to roads in mountainous terrain.

People living near rivers or on steep slopes should monitor Environment and Climate Change Canada and provincial emergency information.

❄️ Canadian Prairies, Ontario and Quebec

As November progresses, colder air and changing storm tracks increase the likelihood of snow, freezing precipitation and hazardous road conditions across southern Canada.

The Canadian Prairies are particularly vulnerable to rapid temperature changes and blowing snow in exposed areas.

Ontario and Quebec can experience combinations of rain, wet snow and freezing precipitation as weather systems cross the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Valley.

These are seasonal regional hazards. Specific November 11 snowfall totals and active warnings were not independently verified for these provinces during this review.

🧊 Northern Canada

The Yukon, Northwest Territories and Nunavut are entering the period of prolonged winter darkness, severe cold and increasingly persistent snow cover.

Important safety considerations include wind chill, reduced visibility, transportation disruptions and the hazards of traveling across remote terrain.

Current local warnings should be checked with Environment and Climate Change Canada.

🇲🇽 3. Mexico Weather & Natural Hazards

Mexico’s weather risks vary significantly between the northern deserts, central highlands, Pacific coastline and tropical south.

🌡️ Northern Mexico

Northern states such as Chihuahua, Sonora, Coahuila and Nuevo León can experience large day-to-night temperature changes during November.

Cold fronts entering northern Mexico may bring stronger winds, falling temperatures and occasional precipitation.

Specific severe weather alerts for these states on November 11 were not independently confirmed in the sources reviewed.

🌧️ Southern Mexico and Gulf Coast

The Gulf Coast and southern states remain vulnerable to heavy rainfall associated with tropical moisture, cold fronts and regional disturbances.

Areas requiring seasonal monitoring include Veracruz, Tabasco, Chiapas and Oaxaca.

Heavy rainfall can trigger flash flooding and landslides, especially in mountainous communities.

No verified statewide rainfall totals or new major flood disaster have been established for these areas in this report.

🌋 Mexico’s Volcanoes

Mexico contains several active volcanic systems, including Popocatépetl.

Volcanic hazards may include ash emissions, volcanic gases and restrictions around active craters.

Today’s report does not independently verify a new eruption, ash plume height or change in volcanic alert level.

For current information, consult Mexico’s National Center for Disaster Prevention (CENAPRED).

❄️ 4. Alaska Weather & Winter Hazards

Alaska remains particularly vulnerable to dangerous early-winter conditions.

Northern coastal areas, mountain passes and remote communities can experience strong winds, drifting snow and extremely limited visibility.

Weather hazards to monitor include:

• Blizzard conditions and blowing snow.

• Freezing temperatures and wind chill.

• Coastal storms and dangerous marine conditions.

• Snow-covered or icy highways.

• Transportation interruptions in isolated communities.

The November 10 regional review identified blizzard warnings around Thompson Pass and the Beaufort Sea coast, along with a high wind warning in the northern Denali Borough.

Those warnings should not automatically be treated as active on November 11. Their current status requires confirmation from the Alaska National Weather Service.

Residents and travelers should consult the Alaska 511 road information service and local weather warnings before traveling.

🌺 5. Hawaii Weather & Tropical Conditions

Hawaii’s weather is influenced by trade winds, passing disturbances, ocean swells and occasional tropical systems.

Potential hazards include localized heavy rainfall, flash flooding, dangerous surf and strong winds.

The central Pacific hurricane season continues through November 30, although tropical cyclone activity typically declines as the season progresses.

No specific active tropical cyclone warning for Hawaii has been independently confirmed in this morning’s reviewed information.

Residents and visitors should check the Central Pacific Hurricane Center and local National Weather Service forecasts for current conditions.

🇬🇱 6. Greenland Weather & Arctic Conditions

Greenland is moving deeper into its Arctic winter.

Shortening daylight, increasing snow cover, strong winds and freezing temperatures create challenging conditions, particularly in exposed coastal settlements and remote areas.

Marine travel can be affected by sea ice, strong winds and rapidly changing visibility.

Today’s review did not establish a new major Greenland weather emergency. Current conditions should be checked through the Danish Meteorological Institute.

🌀 7. Atlantic, Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico Tropical Outlook

The National Hurricane Center’s Wednesday morning Tropical Weather Outlook states that tropical cyclone formation is not expected during the next seven days across the North Atlantic, Caribbean Sea and Gulf of Mexico.

This is encouraging news for coastal communities, but it does not mean that all marine conditions will be calm.

Cold fronts, thunderstorms, strong winds and high seas can still create dangerous conditions without a named tropical cyclone.

The Atlantic hurricane season officially continues through November 30.

Source: NOAA National Hurricane Center.

🌎 8. North America Earthquake Activity

North America remains seismically active, particularly along the Pacific Plate boundary.

Earthquake monitoring is important in Alaska, California, western Canada, Mexico and offshore Pacific regions.

Latest verified significant regional earthquake

The earthquake was listed in the USGS earthquake catalog.

A magnitude 4.7 event does not automatically indicate widespread damage or a tsunami threat. The potential impact depends on depth, distance, local geology and other factors.

This is a selected verified event, not a complete listing of all North American earthquakes during the last 24 hours.

Readers can monitor the latest events through the USGS Latest Earthquakes service.

🔥 9. Wildfires, Drought and Smoke

Wildfire risk does not disappear completely with the arrival of November.

Dry vegetation, low humidity and strong winds can still create dangerous fire conditions in parts of the western and southern United States and northern Mexico.

Western United States

California and neighboring states remain important areas for wildfire monitoring, particularly where dry fuels coincide with strong winds.

Rainfall may reduce fire danger in some regions, but the effects vary depending on soil moisture, fuel conditions and the duration of precipitation.

Canada

Wildfire activity generally decreases as temperatures fall and snow cover expands, although residual fires and localized smoke can persist in some areas.

Mexico

Dry conditions and strong winds can contribute to vegetation fires in susceptible areas.

Verification note: No continent-wide count of active wildfires, burned acreage or containment percentages was independently established for November 11. Previous incidents should not be described as active without updated incident reports.

Useful monitoring resources include InciWeb and the Canadian Wildland Fire Information System.

🌫️ 10. Air Quality and Smoke Conditions

Air quality can change rapidly due to wildfire smoke, industrial emissions, dust, stagnant air and local weather conditions.

Particulate pollution, especially PM2.5, can be harmful to people with respiratory or cardiovascular conditions.

Air quality is measured locally using the Air Quality Index (AQI).

These are U.S. EPA AQI categories, not measured air quality readings for today’s locations.

For current conditions, consult AirNow in the United States or local environmental agencies in Canada and Mexico.

🌋 11. Volcano Monitoring

North America contains numerous volcanic systems, particularly around the Pacific Ring of Fire.

Important monitoring regions include Alaska’s Aleutian Islands, the Cascade Range, Hawaii and central Mexico.

Volcanic hazards can include ashfall, aviation disruption, volcanic gases, lava flows and lahars.

A volcano may be actively monitored without currently erupting.

No new continent-wide volcanic eruption count or specific November 11 alert-level change has been independently verified for this report.

Official monitoring sources include the USGS Volcano Hazards Program, Alaska Volcano Observatory and CENAPRED.

🌊 12. Coastal Flooding, Marine Hazards and Tsunami Monitoring

Coastal hazards remain important across both the Atlantic and Pacific shorelines.

Potential threats include large ocean swells, rip currents, coastal erosion, strong winds and elevated water levels.

The central California high surf warning is one of the specific coastal hazards identified in Wednesday’s reviewed warning information.

A tsunami is different from ordinary storm-driven surf. Tsunamis are commonly generated by significant undersea earthquakes, submarine landslides or volcanic activity.

No tsunami warning has been independently confirmed for North America in this review.

For authoritative alerts, consult the U.S. Tsunami Warning System.

📊 13. North America Natural Hazards Summary

Assessment based on information reviewed Wednesday morning, November 11, 2026. Conditions may change.

📅 14. North America Weather Outlook — November 12–15

Thursday, November 12

Heavy precipitation remains a concern in portions of the Pacific Northwest and British Columbia.

NOAA’s Weather Prediction Center indicates an increased heavy-snow hazard in parts of the United States, although the precise locations and impacts require reference to its current forecast maps.

Friday, November 13

Winter weather concerns continue in mountainous western regions.

The WPC’s morning outlook again identifies a heavy-snow hazard, while showing no broad excessive-rainfall risk area for the contiguous United States.

Saturday, November 14

Multi-day rainfall accumulations could remain significant in the coastal mountains of British Columbia and Washington.

River responses and landslide hazards may persist after the heaviest precipitation has ended.

Sunday, November 15

Forecast confidence becomes lower with increasing lead time.

Residents should monitor updated forecasts for the next Pacific storm system, changing mountain snow levels and regional flood conditions.

This outlook describes identified regional hazards, not a detailed city-by-city forecast.

🛟 15. Weather Safety and Preparedness

North America’s diverse climate means preparedness needs vary considerably by location.

During flooding: Never drive through flooded roadways. Water depth, road damage and current strength can be difficult to judge.

During winter storms: Check highway conditions, carry emergency supplies and avoid unnecessary travel during severe snowfall or blowing snow.

During high surf: Stay away from exposed rocks and jetties. Follow beach closures and local marine advisories.

During earthquakes: Drop, cover and hold on during shaking. Move away from damaged structures afterward and follow local emergency instructions.

During wildfire smoke: Check local AQI readings, reduce prolonged outdoor exertion when pollution is elevated and follow public health recommendations.

During tropical weather: Follow official forecasts and evacuation guidance. A low tropical cyclone formation risk does not eliminate ordinary marine hazards.

🔬 16. Understanding North America’s Changing Weather Patterns

Why Pacific storms matter

Pacific storm systems transport moisture and energy toward western North America.

When moisture-rich air rises over mountain ranges, it cools and produces precipitation. This process, known as orographic lifting, can substantially increase rainfall or snowfall totals.

Atmospheric rivers are relatively narrow corridors of concentrated water vapor transport. They can provide beneficial precipitation and replenish water supplies, but stronger events may also trigger flooding and landslides.

Why mountain snow forecasts can change

Snowfall depends on atmospheric temperature, elevation, moisture and storm intensity.

A small change in freezing level can determine whether a mountain community receives rain, wet snow or substantial snow accumulation.

How El Niño influences North America

El Niño is associated with unusually warm sea-surface temperatures in the central and eastern equatorial Pacific.

It can influence North American storm tracks, precipitation patterns and seasonal temperatures.

Historically, some El Niño winters have brought wetter conditions to parts of the southern United States, although individual outcomes vary considerably.

NOAA emphasizes that El Niño does not guarantee an end to drought, particularly where long-term water deficits have accumulated.

NOAA also announced the operational debut of its Rapid Refresh Forecast System in November 2026, improving the framework for frequently updated short-range weather guidance across North America.

📚 17. Official Weather and Natural Hazard Sources

Orbis Weather uses authoritative meteorological, geological and environmental organizations as the foundation for its regional reporting.

Official agency websites should be consulted directly for the latest warnings, evacuation orders and emergency instructions.

📝 18. Orbis Weather Editorial Methodology and Transparency

How this report is prepared

This North America Weather & Natural Hazards Today report is an independently written regional weather and natural hazards summary published by Orbis Weather.

The report combines available official weather forecasts, warning information, geological monitoring and environmental data with explanatory reporting.

Information is reviewed for geographic relevance, publication date and the distinction between observed conditions and predicted hazards.

Forecasts versus observations

Forecast rainfall, snowfall and storm risks are described as predictions unless an official observation confirms that an event has occurred.

Warnings and watches are distinguished because they communicate different levels of concern.

Data limitations

North America covers an enormous geographic area, and conditions can change significantly within minutes.

This report is not a comprehensive inventory of every active weather warning, earthquake, wildfire or volcanic event.

Where a current incident count or alert level cannot be independently verified, that limitation is disclosed rather than replaced with an estimate.

Information reviewed for this edition includes official NOAA outlooks and USGS earthquake data, supplemented by published regional weather and warning summaries.

Update policy

This edition reflects information available during the morning of November 11, 2026, Eastern Standard Time.

Official warnings may be issued, revised or canceled after publication. The date of this article should not be interpreted as evidence that every individual warning remains active throughout the day.

Corrections policy

Orbis Weather aims to correct factual errors promptly and transparently.

Corrections should identify the information changed and, when material, explain why the correction was necessary.

Public safety disclaimer

Orbis Weather provides general weather reporting, analysis and educational information. It is not an official emergency warning service.

Readers should always prioritize instructions from national meteorological agencies, emergency management authorities and local government.

🌎 Final Outlook — North America, November 11, 2026

The most significant weather concerns across North America today are concentrated in the Pacific Northwest, western Canada and California’s mountainous and coastal regions.

Heavy rain and the potential for flooding remain central concerns in British Columbia and Washington, while winter storm watches highlight the increasing importance of snow and mountain travel hazards in California.

Localized flood warnings remain relevant in several U.S. states, and offshore seismic activity continues to be monitored along western Canada’s Pacific margin.

Meanwhile, NOAA’s Atlantic outlook indicates no tropical cyclone formation is expected during the next seven days.

As North America moves deeper into November, the interaction between Pacific storm systems, colder northern air and complex mountain terrain will remain a major influence on regional weather hazards.

Orbis Weather will continue following developments across the United States, Canada, Mexico, Alaska, Hawaii and Greenland.

About the Author

Paul Harrison is the founder and publisher of Orbis Weather, an independent weather and natural hazards information website covering tropical cyclones, earthquakes, volcanic activity, severe weather, wildfires, flooding and other environmental hazards worldwide.

Orbis Weather focuses on making complex weather and natural hazard information understandable to a general audience through regional reporting, monitoring resources and practical explanations.

Orbis Weather — Tracking Our Changing Planet.