SoCal's Mountain Communities Welcome Storm's Fresh Blanket of Snow

The mid-February storm brought much-needed snow to Southern California's mountain regions.

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A mid-February storm that drenched Southern California with heavy rain also delivered a much-welcomed fresh blanket of snow to the region's mountain communities. The new powder is expected to boost the economy for local businesses as visitors flock to the snowy peaks, with some areas potentially receiving 1 to 2 feet of accumulation. Despite the inclement weather and dangerous driving conditions, mountain residents and businesses are excited for the influx of winter tourism over the upcoming weekend.

Why it matters

Southern California's mountain towns rely heavily on winter tourism, and the fresh snowfall is a boon for local economies that have struggled with inconsistent winter weather in recent years. The snow also provides a much-needed respite from the region's typically mild winters, allowing residents to enjoy the full winter experience.

The details

The storm brought a steady uptick in business to Big Bear, with visitors flocking to the area for the long holiday weekend despite missing the initial snowfall. Locals prepared for the storm by stocking up on supplies, anticipating that the fresh powder could lead to shortages. A winter storm warning was issued for the mountain communities until Thursday morning, with dangerous driving conditions expected.

  • The mid-February storm hit Southern California on February 17, 2026.
  • The storm warning was in effect until 9 a.m. on Thursday, February 20, 2026.

The players

Gabriela Pacheco

An employee at North Pole Fudge & Ice Cream Co. in Big Bear.

John Hallam

A resident of Big Bear.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“It was really busy. We had a lot of people here because of the Valentine's holiday and Presidents' weekend.”

— Gabriela Pacheco, Employee, North Pole Fudge & Ice Cream Co. (nbclosangeles.com)

“We made sure we brought supplies for the trip. Depends on how much snow we get, supplies can get thin. Two weeks ago, it was in the 70s and 80s and finally, it's winter.”

— John Hallam, Resident, Big Bear (nbclosangeles.com)

What’s next

With the winter storm warning in effect until Thursday morning, residents and businesses in the mountain communities will continue to monitor the weather and prepare for an influx of visitors over the upcoming weekend.

The takeaway

The fresh snowfall in Southern California's mountain regions is a welcome sight for local businesses and residents, providing a much-needed boost to the winter tourism economy and allowing locals to fully embrace the winter season after a period of unusually mild weather.