Storms Bring Tornado Warnings to South, Northeast Thaws & California Braces for Impact

A powerful storm system impacts multiple regions of the U.S. with severe weather, power outages, and heavy snowfall.

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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A storm system brought tornado warnings to parts of the Southeast this weekend, impacting Mississippi, Louisiana, Georgia and Florida, while the Northeast began to experience a thaw after weeks of cold temperatures. Significant damage was reported near Lake Charles, Louisiana, including a Mardi Gras float and a jet bridge at the airport. Power outages were widespread but less extensive than previous ice storms. Meanwhile, California is bracing for a major winter storm bringing thunderstorms, damaging winds, and heavy snow to the Sierra Nevada, including up to 7 feet in some areas.

Why it matters

The widespread nature of these storms, affecting both the Southeast and the West Coast, highlights the potential for significant disruption across multiple regions of the country during the winter months. Preparedness and adherence to weather advisories are crucial for minimizing risk and ensuring public safety.

The details

The storm system brought tornado warnings to parts of the Southeast, with some of the most significant damage occurring near Lake Charles, Louisiana. High winds overturned a horse trailer and a Mardi Gras float, damaged a jet bridge at the airport, and blew a house's metal awning into power lines. Power poles were also toppled in several Louisiana towns. While no deaths or serious injuries were reported, the storm system continued to move toward south Georgia and the Florida Panhandle, prompting tornado watches on Sunday. In the Northeast, temperatures in Boston climbed into the high 30s and low 40s, a move closer to seasonal averages after running nearly 7 degrees Fahrenheit below average last week. In California, a powerful winter storm is bringing thunderstorms, damaging winds, and heavy snow to the Sierra Nevada, including up to 7 feet of snow in some areas. Residents in some Los Angeles neighborhoods previously affected by wildfires are under evacuation warnings due to the potential for mud and debris flows.

  • The storm system brought tornado warnings to parts of the Southeast this weekend.
  • As of Sunday evening, a few thousand customers in Florida, Louisiana, Kentucky, and Virginia remained without power.

The players

National Weather Service

The federal agency responsible for weather forecasting and issuing weather warnings in the United States.

Jacob Spender

A weather service meteorologist in Sacramento, California, who advised travelers to pack winter safety kits and described the upcoming storm system as 'a bigger system, and a major system.'

Karen Bass

The Mayor of Los Angeles, who has ordered emergency crews to prepare for potential issues related to the incoming winter storm.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.