North Bay Hit by Series of Winter Storms

Snow dusts hills and mountains as cold front moves through region

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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A series of cold winter storms have brought snow, hail, and heavy rain to the North Bay region of California over the past few days. The storms have left a dusting of snow on hills and mountains, including Bald Mountain at Sugar Loaf Ridge State Park and hilltops in Lake County. The severe weather, which included lightning, rain, and hail on Tuesday, is part of a broader active winter pattern across the state, according to the National Weather Service.

Why it matters

The winter storms are a stark reminder of the unpredictable and sometimes extreme weather patterns that can impact Northern California, especially during the winter months. The snow and hail can create hazardous driving conditions and disrupt daily life for residents, while also potentially affecting agriculture and other industries in the region.

The details

The storms brought a mix of severe weather to the North Bay, including lightning, heavy rain, and hail on Tuesday. This led to the first snowfall of the season, with a dusting of snow visible on hills and mountains in the region, including Bald Mountain at Sugar Loaf Ridge State Park in Kenwood and hilltops in Lake County. The National Weather Service says this cold front is part of a broader active winter pattern across the state.

  • The severe weather hit the region on Tuesday, February 17, 2026.
  • Snow was reported on Wednesday, February 18, 2026.

The players

National Weather Service

The federal agency responsible for weather forecasting and issuing weather-related warnings and advisories.

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The takeaway

The winter storms serve as a reminder that Northern California can experience unpredictable and extreme weather patterns, even in the midst of a changing climate. Residents and businesses in the region need to be prepared for the possibility of snow, hail, and other severe conditions during the winter months.