Powerful Winter Storm Hits California

High winds, heavy rain and snow cause chaos across the state

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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A powerful winter storm has slammed California, bringing treacherous thunderstorms, high winds and heavy snow in mountain areas. Millions of Los Angeles County residents faced flash flood warnings, and emergency crews were on standby to respond to any problems. The storm wreaked havoc on roadways across the state, with traffic halted on major highways due to spinouts and crashes. Forecasters warn the heavy snow, wind and low visibility could make travel conditions dangerous to near impossible.

Why it matters

This winter storm is the latest in a series of extreme weather events that have impacted California in recent years. The state has been grappling with the effects of climate change, including an increase in the frequency and intensity of storms, wildfires, and other natural disasters. This storm highlights the ongoing challenges that Californians face in adapting to these changing weather patterns.

The details

The storm brought treacherous conditions to much of California, with heavy rain, high winds, and significant snowfall in mountain areas. In Los Angeles County, millions of residents faced flash flood warnings, and emergency crews were on standby to respond to any issues. The storm also caused major disruptions to transportation, with traffic halted on major highways due to spinouts and crashes. Forecasters warn that the heavy snow, wind, and low visibility could make travel conditions extremely dangerous.

  • The storm hit California on Monday, February 16, 2026.
  • The storm is expected to continue through late Wednesday, February 18, 2026.

The players

Karen Bass

The mayor of Los Angeles, who ordered emergency crews and city departments to be ready to respond to any problems caused by the storm.

Kashawna McInerny

A realtor in the mountain community of Wrightwood, who was still dealing with the aftermath of previous storms that had caused significant damage to her property.

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What they’re saying

“It has seemed 'spring-like' for a large part of 2026, but winter is set to show it's not quite done yet.”

— Shasta County Sheriff's Office (Social media post)

What’s next

The California Office of Emergency Services is placing fire and rescue personnel and resources in areas most at risk for flooding, mud and debris flows as the storm continues.

The takeaway

This powerful winter storm is a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges that California faces due to the effects of climate change. As extreme weather events become more frequent and intense, communities across the state will need to continue to adapt and prepare for the potential impacts.