Bay Area Braces for Stormy Weather with Snow, Lightning, and Freezing Temperatures

Multiple storm systems bring a mix of winter hazards to the region this week.

Published on Feb. 18, 2026

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The Bay Area is facing a series of storms that will bring a variety of winter weather hazards, including snow, lightning, and freezing temperatures. Meteorologists predict that the highest peaks in the North Bay could see up to 2 feet of snow, while the East Bay and Santa Clara mountains could also receive several inches. The storms are also producing thunderstorms and strong winds across the region, with temperatures potentially dropping below freezing in some areas by the end of the week.

Why it matters

This unusual winter weather event is a stark reminder of the region's vulnerability to the impacts of climate change, which can lead to more extreme and unpredictable weather patterns. The combination of snow, lightning, and freezing temperatures poses risks to public safety, transportation, and infrastructure, and could disrupt the daily lives of Bay Area residents.

The details

According to the National Weather Service, a winter weather advisory has been issued for the Bay Area, with the highest peaks in the North Bay, including Mount Saint Helena, expected to receive up to 2 feet of snow. The East Bay's Mount Diablo and the Santa Clara mountains could also see several inches of snowfall. In addition to the snow, the storms are also producing lightning and thunderstorms, with the entire Bay Area having a 20 to 40 percent chance of seeing thunderstorms on Tuesday. The cold front sweeping through the region will also lead to freezing temperatures, with the North Bay potentially reaching freezing by the end of the week and even San Francisco seeing temperatures dip into the low 40s on Friday.

  • The first winter weather advisory in three years was issued for the Bay Area on Tuesday.
  • The storms began bringing rain to the region on Sunday.
  • The snow and lightning are expected to continue through the end of the week.

The players

Dylan Flynn

A meteorologist at the National Weather Service who provided information about the expected weather conditions.

Mount Saint Helena

A peak in the North Bay that could see up to 2 feet of snow.

Mount Diablo

A peak in the East Bay that could see several inches of snow.

Santa Clara mountains

A mountain range in the South Bay that could see 4 to 10 inches of snow.

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What they’re saying

“This isn't something that's common [or] that we expect every year. Some years we don't get any snow.”

— Dylan Flynn, Meteorologist, National Weather Service (SFGATE)

“The interesting thing about this week's weather is that there's a lot of hazards, it's not just the rain and the thunderstorms, there's also strong wind coming from the west and in addition to snow...it's also going to get cold and that's going to go all the way down to the valley.”

— Dylan Flynn, Meteorologist, National Weather Service (SFGATE)

“This is cold, plus rain, plus the wind, so it's just going to feel really nasty.”

— Dylan Flynn, Meteorologist, National Weather Service (SFGATE)

What’s next

The National Weather Service will continue to monitor the storm systems and provide updates on the expected weather conditions throughout the week.

The takeaway

This unusual winter weather event highlights the need for Bay Area residents to be prepared for the impacts of climate change, which can lead to more extreme and unpredictable weather patterns. Staying informed about the latest weather forecasts and taking appropriate safety precautions will be crucial in the coming days.