Tornado Threat Looms as Massive Storm Hits California

Severe thunderstorms and potential tornadoes forecast for Southern California on Monday

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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The National Weather Service has warned of possible tornadoes in Southern California as a massive storm with torrential rain and thunderstorms hits the state. A rare severe thunderstorm warning was issued for San Luis Obispo and surrounding areas, cautioning that conditions were favorable for isolated tornadoes and damaging 60 mph winds.

Why it matters

Tornadoes are extremely rare in California, making this storm system a significant weather event. The threat of tornadoes and damaging winds in densely populated areas of Southern California raises concerns about public safety and potential property damage.

The details

The severe thunderstorm warning was issued by the National Weather Service office in Oxnard at 6:38 a.m. local time, giving residents only minutes to seek shelter as a line of storms moved north from Morro Bay at 35 mph. The warning remained in effect until 7:15 a.m., though forecasters cautioned that additional alerts could be issued as the storm threat persists throughout the day.

  • The severe thunderstorm warning was issued at 6:38 a.m. local time on Monday, February 16, 2026.
  • The warning remained in effect until 7:15 a.m. local time on Monday, February 16, 2026.

The players

National Weather Service

The National Weather Service is a government agency that provides weather forecasts, warnings, and other meteorological information for the United States.

AccuWeather

AccuWeather is a commercial weather forecasting and information company that provides weather data and analysis to businesses, media, and the general public.

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What they’re saying

“Thunderstorms are expected Monday across the Los Angeles Basin, northern portions of the Central Valley and coastal Southern California.”

— AccuWeather (Newsweek)

“Storms could produce damaging wind gusts, frequent lightning, downpours and an isolated tornado. The risk zone includes densely populated areas from San Luis Obispo County south through San Diego County, with additional spin-up tornado potential around the Sacramento Valley.”

— AccuWeather (Newsweek)

What’s next

The National Weather Service will continue to monitor the storm system and issue additional warnings and updates as needed throughout the day.

The takeaway

This severe weather event serves as a reminder of the potential for rare and dangerous weather phenomena, even in areas not typically associated with tornadoes. Residents in the affected areas should remain vigilant, heed all weather warnings, and be prepared to take shelter if necessary.