San Diego Braces for Major Storm Next Week

Multiple days of rain, wind, mountain snow and possible thunderstorms expected starting Monday.

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

A powerful storm system is set to impact the San Diego region next week, bringing heavy rain, strong winds, potential thunderstorms, and mountain snow. The storm is expected to arrive on Monday and continue through Thursday, with the heaviest impacts on Monday and Tuesday. Forecasters are warning residents to prepare this weekend by securing loose items, clearing gutters, and stocking up on supplies in anticipation of potential flooding and power outages.

Why it matters

San Diego is no stranger to winter storms, but this system is shaping up to be one of the strongest of the season. The combination of heavy rainfall, gusty winds, and mountain snow could lead to widespread disruptions and potential damage across the region. Residents and businesses will need to take proactive steps to protect themselves and their property.

The details

The storm is expected to bring widespread rain, with preliminary forecast totals ranging from 0.5 to 2 inches for the coast and valleys, 1 to 3 inches in the mountains, and 0.25 to 1 inch in the deserts. A second storm system later in the week could bring an additional 0.3 to 0.75 inches of rain to the coast and valleys, and 0.1 to 0.5 inches in the deserts. Snow levels are expected to start around 6,000 to 6,500 feet on Monday, dropping to 4,000 to 4,500 feet by Wednesday and Thursday, potentially bringing a dusting of snow to the higher elevations. Winds will also be a major concern, with gusts of 25 to 40 mph for the coast and valleys, and 30 to 60 mph for the mountains and deserts.

  • The storm is expected to arrive on Monday, February 17, 2026.
  • The heaviest impacts are forecast for Monday, February 17 and Tuesday, February 18.
  • The storm is expected to continue through Thursday, February 20.

The players

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What’s next

Residents should prepare this weekend by securing loose items, clearing gutters, and stocking up on supplies in anticipation of potential flooding and power outages.

The takeaway

This storm system has the potential to cause significant disruptions across the San Diego region, underscoring the importance of proactive preparation and vigilance in the face of extreme weather events.