California Hit by Powerful Winter Storm

Heavy rain, snow, and high winds cause chaos across the state

Published on Feb. 18, 2026

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A powerful winter storm pummeled California on Monday, bringing treacherous thunderstorms, high winds, and heavy snow in mountain areas. Millions of Los Angeles County residents faced flash flood warnings, and people in some wildfire-scarred areas were under evacuation warnings due to the potential for mud and debris flows. The storm wreaked havoc on roadways, with traffic halted on major highways due to spinouts and crashes. Forecasters warned that the western slope of the Sierra Nevada, northern Shasta County, and parts of the Coast Range could see up to 8 feet of snow before the storm moves through late Wednesday.

Why it matters

This powerful winter storm is a stark reminder that California's weather patterns can still be unpredictable, even as the state has experienced a largely mild winter so far. The heavy rain, snow, and high winds pose significant risks to public safety and infrastructure, particularly in areas that have been impacted by wildfires in recent years.

The details

The storm brought treacherous conditions to roadways across the state, with traffic halted on I-80 near the Nevada state line due to spinouts and crashes, and a large tree toppling onto US-101 in Santa Barbara County, shutting down southbound lanes. Forecasters warned that the heavy snow, wind, and low visibility could make travel conditions dangerous to near impossible in some areas. Emergency crews and city departments were ordered to be ready to respond to any problems caused by the storm.

  • The storm hit California on Monday, February 17, 2026.
  • The storm is expected to continue through late Wednesday, February 19, 2026.

The players

Karen Bass

The mayor of Los Angeles, who ordered emergency crews and city departments to be ready to respond to any problems caused by the storm.

Shasta County Sheriff's Office

The office that issued a social media post urging residents to stay aware of the storm.

California's Office of Emergency Services

The agency that said it was placing fire and rescue personnel and resources in areas most at risk for flooding, mud, and debris flows.

Kashawna McInerny

A Realtor in the mountain community of Wrightwood, who was still dealing with several tons of rock and debris on her property from previous storms.

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What they’re saying

“It has seemed 'springlike' for a large part of 2026, but winter is set to show it's not quite done yet.”

— Shasta County Sheriff's Office (Social media post)

“We're not panicking yet. At least I'm not.”

— Kashawna McInerny, Realtor (Interview)

What’s next

The National Weather Service in Monterey has issued a coastal flood advisory for San Francisco until Tuesday afternoon, and forecasts cooler showers and a chance of hail on Tuesday, with nearby mountains expecting snow.

The takeaway

This powerful winter storm serves as a reminder that California's weather patterns can still be unpredictable, and that residents and authorities must remain vigilant and prepared for the potential impacts of severe weather, even as the state has experienced a largely mild winter so far.