California Braces for Powerful Storm Set to Batter Region

Iconic bluffs hang on by a thread as high winds, heavy rain, and flood warnings loom

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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California is preparing for a powerful, high-impact storm expected to slam the state on Monday, bringing huge waves, strong winds, and widespread flood warnings. The National Weather Service has issued evacuation warnings for vulnerable areas, particularly in Palisades and Eaton Fire burn scar zones. Forecasters warn of double-digit feet of mountain snow, heavy rain, and the potential for dangerous surf, flash floods, mudslides, and damaging winds that could lead to widespread power outages and major travel disruptions.

Why it matters

This storm poses a serious threat to California's coastal regions, where already hazardous bluffs could be further damaged or destroyed by the pounding surf and saturated soil. The state has been grappling with the effects of coastal erosion, and this storm has the potential to exacerbate the problem, impacting vulnerable communities and infrastructure.

The details

The storm is expected to bring two back-to-back systems, with forecasters warning of strong winds, heavy rain, mountain snow, thunderstorms, dangerous surf, and even the possibility of isolated tornadoes. Low-elevation snow could impact major routes like Interstate 5 and Highway 33, while the coast and valleys are expected to see 2 to 4 inches of rain, and the mountains and foothills could receive 4 to 8 inches. Along the coast, forecasters have warned of dangerous 10-foot swells and coastal flooding through February 18.

  • The storm is expected to hit California on Monday, February 16, 2026.
  • The peak of the storm is expected on Monday, with life-threatening flash floods, mudslides, and damaging winds possible.
  • Travel in Southern California is expected to remain treacherous through midweek as heavy snow blankets mountain passes, including I-5 at Tejon Pass, through Wednesday.

The players

National Weather Service (NWS)

The National Weather Service is the primary source of weather data, forecasts, and warnings for the United States.

Karen Bass

The Mayor of Los Angeles, who has issued evacuation warnings for burn scar areas and urged residents to sign up for emergency alerts.

Spencer Pratt

A mayoral candidate in Los Angeles who criticized Mayor Bass for her absence during the Palisades Fire.

Patrick Abbott

A geology expert who warned that the saturated soil and pounding surf could increase the risk of coastal bluff collapse in San Diego County.

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What they’re saying

“Significant weather on the horizon, that will impact travel as early as Sun night lasting into the week.”

— NWS Los Angeles office (X)

“This is likely to be another significant rain event. All Angelenos — especially those in burn scar areas — are encouraged to follow official guidance, use caution on the roads, plan ahead and stay informed.”

— Karen Bass, Mayor of Los Angeles (Statement)

“Someone should check and make sure the Mayor is in LA. She has a history of skipping town during major weather events.”

— Spencer Pratt, Mayoral Candidate (X)

“We already have a lot of water stored in the ground from our earlier heavy rainfall interval. So this week we're adding water in the ground, which increases its weight and pushes you ever closer toward failure.”

— Patrick Abbott, Geology Expert (NBC 7 San Diego)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This storm highlights the ongoing battle against coastal erosion in California, with vulnerable communities and iconic landmarks facing the threat of destruction. It underscores the need for comprehensive disaster preparedness and resilience planning to protect the state's residents and infrastructure from the impacts of extreme weather events.