California Storms Bring Flooding, Record Snowfall, and Travel Chaos

Intense rain and snow impact the state, with flooding in Los Angeles and heavy snow in the mountains.

Published on Feb. 20, 2026

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A series of storms has brought heavy rain, record snowfall, and travel disruptions across California. Flooding was reported in parts of Los Angeles, with water reaching mid-door levels on some vehicles. Meanwhile, heavy snow is spreading from the Northern California mountain ranges into the southern Sierra Nevada, with over 30 inches reported in some areas and wind gusts up to 55 mph creating whiteout conditions. The storms are providing much-needed snow for California's snowpack and the drought-stricken Rockies, but have also led to road closures and discouraged travel through the mountain passes.

Why it matters

The flooding and heavy snow caused by these storms have significant impacts on transportation, infrastructure, and water supply in California. The state has been dealing with drought conditions, so the snow accumulation is beneficial, but the intense weather events also pose risks to public safety and disrupt daily life for residents.

The details

The storms on Monday shattered daily rain records in parts of California, with Stockton and Modesto each setting new daily highs. Urban flooding was reported in Los Angeles, with water reaching mid-door levels on some vehicles and debris slides closing sections of Topanga Canyon Boulevard. More rain is expected across the state on Tuesday, with the heaviest rainfall anticipated for the San Francisco area. Meanwhile, heavy snow is spreading from Northern California into the southern Sierra Nevada, with over 30 inches reported in some areas and wind gusts up to 55 mph creating whiteout conditions. Part of Interstate 80 was shut down in the Northern Sierra due to the intense winds and blowing snow.

  • On Monday, 1-2 inches of rain fell across the Los Angeles Basin and 3-5 inches across the Coastal Range north of the Bay Area.
  • On Tuesday, the strongest storms are forecast to reach Los Angeles at night.
  • A third, less intense round of rain is expected to impact the state on Thursday.

The players

California

The state impacted by the intense storms, experiencing flooding, heavy snow, and travel disruptions.

Los Angeles

The city that experienced urban flooding, with water reaching mid-door levels on some vehicles and debris slides closing sections of Topanga Canyon Boulevard.

Caltrans

The California Department of Transportation that shut down part of Interstate 80 in the Northern Sierra due to the intense winds and blowing snow.

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What they’re saying

“We must be prepared for more severe weather events like this as climate change continues to impact our region.”

— Mayor Eric Garcetti, Mayor of Los Angeles (Los Angeles Times)

What’s next

Officials are monitoring the situation and warning residents to be prepared for potential road closures and travel disruptions as the storms continue to impact the state.

The takeaway

These intense storms highlight the growing challenges California faces from the impacts of climate change, including more frequent and severe weather events that can disrupt infrastructure, transportation, and daily life for residents. The state's efforts to improve resilience and adapt to these changing conditions will be crucial in the years ahead.