California Hit Hard by Winter Storm with High Winds and Heavy Snow

Millions face flood warnings as rain, snow, and high winds wreak havoc across the state

Published on Feb. 18, 2026

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A powerful winter storm slammed 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 caused major disruptions to roadways, with traffic halted on I-80 and a large tree toppling onto US-101. 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 the latest in a series of extreme weather events that have impacted California in recent years, highlighting the state's vulnerability to the impacts of climate change. The storm's heavy rain, high winds, and significant snowfall have the potential to cause widespread damage and disrupt critical infrastructure, underscoring the need for robust emergency preparedness and response efforts.

The details

The storm brought treacherous conditions to roadways across the state, with traffic halted temporarily in both directions on I-80 near the Nevada state line due to spinouts and crashes. In Santa Barbara County, a large tree toppled onto US-101, shutting down southbound lanes. 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, making travel conditions dangerous to near impossible.

  • 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 issued a social media post urging residents to stay aware of the storm, noting that 'winter is set to show it's not quite done yet.'

California's Office of Emergency Services

The agency 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 that pummeled the community.

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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

California's Office of Emergency Services said it would continue to monitor the storm and coordinate with local authorities to respond to any emergencies or damage caused by the high winds, heavy rain, and snowfall.

The takeaway

This powerful winter storm serves as a stark reminder of the increasing frequency and intensity of extreme weather events driven by climate change, and the need for California to invest in robust infrastructure and emergency preparedness measures to protect its residents and communities.