Heavy Rain Floods Los Angeles Businesses and Freeways

Powerful winter storm leaves parts of LA underwater, raising questions about city's response

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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A powerful winter storm moved through Southern California on Monday, leaving parts of Los Angeles flooded with heavy rain. Several businesses in the Fairfax District on Melrose Avenue were underwater, and the 101 Freeway near Van Nuys and Sepulveda boulevards saw several lanes covered in deep water. Business owners blamed the city for a lack of action, saying the response from officials was delayed and inadequate despite assurances that pump trucks and crews would be staged and actively responding.

Why it matters

The flooding highlights ongoing issues with the city's infrastructure and preparedness for severe weather events, which have impacted local businesses in recent years. The incident raises questions about the city's ability to respond effectively to protect residents and businesses during heavy rainstorms.

The details

The rain started early Monday morning and continued well into the night, soaking busy freeways and leaving some businesses and homes flooded. On the 101 Freeway, several lanes heading west were covered in deep water, with drivers in the right lanes traveling considerably slower as water splashed from underneath their cars. Several businesses on Melrose Avenue near Martel Avenue also found themselves underwater, with business owners criticizing the city's lack of action despite having a water-pumping truck set up in the area.

  • The rain started early Monday morning and continued well into the night.

The players

Austin Melrose

A business owner in the Fairfax District on Melrose Avenue.

Katy Yaroslavsky

A Los Angeles City Councilmember who represents the affected area.

LASAN (LA Sanitation and Environment)

The city department responsible for responding to the flooding.

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What they’re saying

“I don't know, I had faith in this equipment, but it's a lot of money, man. These guys' salaries aren't cheap, this equipment's not cheap and if it's not working anyways, why not pay to fix the problem?”

— Austin Melrose, Business owner (CBS LA)

“LASAN (LA Sanitation and Environment) confirmed ahead of the storm that pump trucks and crews would be staged and actively responding, as they have successfully done in the past. Instead, the response was delayed, inadequate, and local businesses were left dealing with flooding and damage. We have demanded an immediate review from LASAN to determine exactly what happened, who was responsible for the breakdown, and what corrective actions will be taken right now.”

— Katy Yaroslavsky, Los Angeles City Councilmember (CBS LA)

What’s next

Los Angeles City Councilmember Katy Yaroslavsky has demanded an immediate review from LASAN to determine what went wrong and what corrective actions will be taken to prevent similar flooding issues in the future.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the ongoing challenges Los Angeles faces in addressing its aging infrastructure and preparing for severe weather events. The delayed and inadequate response from city officials has left local businesses frustrated and raises concerns about the city's ability to protect residents and businesses during heavy rainstorms.