Damaging Winds and Rain Hit Southern California as Winter Storm Approaches North

Millions on alert for powerful gusts, flooding, and snow as storms sweep across the West.

Published on Feb. 20, 2026

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Heavy thunderstorms brought 1 to 3 inches of rain to Southern California, with the highest elevations seeing more than 3 inches. Damaging winds gusted between 50 and 70 mph, toppling trees and causing roof damage. Flooded businesses, stranded drivers, and a fallen tree on a car were reported throughout the region. A flood watch is in effect as more rain is expected this week, while the Sierra Nevada faces heavy snow, strong winds, and avalanche dangers that have closed mountain roads and ski lodges.

Why it matters

The severe weather in Southern California and the Sierra Nevada highlights the increasing frequency and intensity of storms driven by climate change, which can cause significant damage to infrastructure, disrupt transportation, and threaten public safety. The impacts on the region's residents and businesses underscore the need for better preparedness and resilience measures.

The details

The heavy thunderstorms in Southern California brought 1 to 3 inches of rain, with the highest elevations seeing more than 3 inches. Damaging winds gusted between 50 and 70 mph, with the highest wind gust reported at 81 mph in the hills above Malibu. This toppled trees and caused roof damage, leading to flooded businesses, stranded drivers, and a massive tree falling on a car. A flood watch is in effect for the Santa Barbara and Los Angeles areas due to the risk of flash flooding, debris flows, and mudslides, especially in burn scar areas. Two more rounds of rain are expected this week, with an additional 0.5 to 2 inches possible through Thursday. In the Sierra Nevada, heavy snow, strong winds, and avalanche dangers have closed mountain roads and forced ski lodges to close, with snow accumulations of 4 to 8 feet expected through Friday.

  • On Monday, heavy thunderstorms brought 1 to 3 inches of rain to Southern California.
  • On Tuesday, damaging winds gusted between 50 and 70 mph, with the highest wind gust of 81 mph reported in the hills above Malibu.
  • A flood watch is in effect for the Santa Barbara and Los Angeles areas on Tuesday night due to the risk of flash flooding, debris flows, and mudslides.
  • Two more rounds of rain are expected in Southern California, with the first arriving on Tuesday evening and continuing overnight, and the second arriving on Thursday morning to early afternoon.
  • In the Sierra Nevada, heavy snow, strong winds, and avalanche dangers have closed mountain roads and ski lodges, with snow accumulations of 4 to 8 feet expected through Friday.

The players

Southern California

The region that experienced heavy thunderstorms, damaging winds, and flooding.

Sierra Nevada

The mountain range that is facing heavy snow, strong winds, and avalanche dangers, leading to the closure of mountain roads and ski lodges.

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What’s next

Authorities in Southern California and the Sierra Nevada will continue to monitor the weather conditions and issue warnings and advisories as needed to ensure public safety. Residents and businesses in the affected areas should stay informed and prepared for potential impacts from the ongoing storms.

The takeaway

The severe weather events in Southern California and the Sierra Nevada underscore the growing threat of climate change-driven storms, which can cause significant damage to infrastructure, disrupt transportation, and endanger public safety. These incidents highlight the need for communities to invest in resilience measures and emergency preparedness to better protect their residents and businesses from the increasing frequency and intensity of extreme weather.