California walloped by winter storm with high winds and heavy rain and
snow
[February 17, 2026]
By KIMBERLEE KRUESI
California was walloped Monday by a powerful winter storm carrying
treacherous thunderstorms, high winds and heavy snow in mountain areas.
Millions of Los Angeles County residents faced flash flood warnings as
rain pounded the region and people in some areas scarred by last year’s
devastating wildfires were under an evacuation warning through Tuesday
because of the potential for mud and debris flows.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass ordered emergency crews and city
departments to be ready to respond to any problems.
The storm wreaked havoc on roadways spanning from Sonoma County to the
Sierra Nevada. Traffic was halted temporarily in both directions on I-80
near the Nevada state line due to spinouts and crashes, the California
Department of Transportation reported. In Santa Barbara County, a large
tree toppled onto US-101, shutting down southbound lanes.
Forecasters said the western slope of the Sierra Nevada, northern Shasta
County — including portions of Interstate 5 — and parts of the state’s
Coast Range could see up to 8 feet (2.4 meters) of snow before the storm
moves through late Wednesday. The heavy snow, wind and low visibility
could also make travel conditions dangerous to near impossible,
forecasters added.
“It has seemed ‘springlike’ for a large part of 2026, but winter is set
to show it’s not quite done yet,” the Shasta County Sheriff’s Office
said in a social media post urging residents to stay aware of the storm.
California’s Office of Emergency Services said it was placing fire and
rescue personnel and resources in areas most at risk for flooding, mud
and debris flows.
In Southern California, Six Flags Magic Mountain was closed Monday due
to the storm, and Knotts Berry Farm amusement park shut its doors early.
But the winter weather was celebrated by local ski resorts that have
waited weeks for snow.
Other states on Monday braced for different threatening weather events.
Residents in parts of eastern Colorado received warnings that they could
be in fire danger due to a combination of abnormally high temperatures,
gusty winds and dry conditions. The risks were expected to continue
further into the week as gusts up to 60 mph (96 kph) are likely to hit
the Colorado eastern plains on Tuesday. Parts of Texas, New Mexico and
Kansas were also under red flag warnings.
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This image provided by the Santa Barbara County Fire Department
shows a large tree that has fallen across the highway blocking all
southbound lanes and the fast lane northbound in Goleta, Calif.,
Monday, Feb. 16, 2026. (Santa Barbara County Fire Department via AP)
The latest storm comes amid a snow drought across much of the
American West, with snow cover and depth measuring at the lowest
levels scientists have seen in decades. Most states saw half their
average precipitation or less in January, though California fared
better others due to heavy rains in December.
It was the first of several days of stormy weather forecast for
California. A coastal flood advisory was in effect for San Francisco
until Tuesday afternoon, with cooler showers and a chance of hail on
Tuesday, while nearby mountains were expecting snow, the National
Weather Service in Monterey reported.
Kashawna McInerny, a Realtor in the mountain community of
Wrightwood, about 80 miles (130 kilometers) northeast of Los
Angeles, on Monday said she was still dealing with several tons of
rock and debris on her property from Christmas and New Year's storms
that pummeled the community. After the last one, she said she got
help trenching part of her side yard to direct stormwater down the
street and placed a barrier of metal and wood by a door in hopes of
keeping out mud and debris.
“We’re not panicking yet. At least I’m not,” she said with a laugh.
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Associated Press writers Amy Taxin from Santa Ana, California, and
Dorany Pineda in Los Angeles contributed to this report.
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