California Buried: Snow Blizzards & Floods Unleashed

California is currently experiencing severe winter weather conditions, characterized by the coldest air mass in three years, heavy snowfall, and significant rainfall across the state. The Sierra Nevadas are bracing for substantial snow accumulation, with forecasts predicting over three feet and potentially up to seven feet at higher elevations above 6,000 feet. This has led to an avalanche warning being issued for the Central Sierra Nevadas through 4am on Wednesday, February 19, 2026, with expectations of a widespread natural avalanche cycle.

Concurrently, southern California is facing heavy rainfall and the threat of flooding, particularly in Los Angeles and San Diego. Flood watches are active in Los Angeles County, with evacuation warnings issued for areas near recent burn scars due to potential mudslides and debris flows. Sections of Highway 1 remain closed due to a landslide, and even a food delivery robot was reportedly stuck in floodwaters in West Hollywood on Monday, February 17, 2026.

The storm's impact extends to transportation and infrastructure. Interstate 80 is closed from Colfax to the Nevada state line due to snow. Yosemite National Park remains open but requires tire chains and warns of road closures. Several ski resorts in the Lake Tahoe area have announced closures or advised visitors to check road conditions. Stanford University experienced a temporary power outage on Tuesday morning, February 18, 2026, due to an impacted PG&E transmission line.