Southern California Hit by Major Storm: Heavy Rain, Mountain Snow, and Evacuation Warnings Amidst Other Key News
Southern California faced a significant weather event on Monday, February 16, 2026. A powerful storm system brought heavy rainfall. Flood watches and wind advisories were issued for Los Angeles. The National Weather Service predicted substantial rain totals. Coastal and valley areas expected 1 to 2.5 inches. Mountain and foothill communities anticipated more than double that amount. Higher elevations in the Transverse Ranges risked even more. Snow was also forecast for mountain regions. Mammoth Mountain and Lake Tahoe expected snow.
Storm Impacts and Warnings
The storm generated widespread impacts. Heavy rains lashed Santa Monica with extreme rates. This triggered immediate flash flood concerns. Major roadways like the Pacific Coast Highway faced dangerous conditions. Local officials urged residents to shelter in place. Drainage systems could be overwhelmed. This increased the risk of debris flows.
Evacuation warnings were issued for several burn scar areas. These included the Palisades, Eaton, Franklin, and Sunset fire zones. The warnings aimed to protect residents from mud and debris flows. These alerts were in effect until Tuesday morning. Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass advised caution. She emphasized care on roads and in storm-affected areas. She stated the storm could cause high surf and mudslides. Residents were urged to follow official guidance and stay informed.
A flood watch covered Los Angeles and Ventura counties. It ran from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Monday. Strong wind gusts were also expected. Some areas could see winds up to 60 mph. A wind advisory remained in effect for valleys and coasts. Residents were advised to secure outdoor items. They also needed to watch for downed power lines.
Mountain Snowfall
The storm brought a stark contrast to lower elevations. Mountain communities prepared for significant snowfall. Several feet of snow were expected in higher elevations. This could make travel impossible in mountain passes. The Tejon Pass on Interstate 5 was particularly at risk for closures. This much-needed snow came as California’s snowpack was at a record low. Snow levels were forecast to drop significantly.
Concurrent News and Investigations
While the storm dominated weather headlines, other significant current news unfolded in Los Angeles. California Attorney General Rob Bonta announced a civil rights investigation. This probe concerns the emergency response to the Eaton fire in West Altadena. The investigation will examine potential race, age, or disability discrimination. Specifically, it will look at delayed evacuation alerts. West Altadena, a historically Black community, received later warnings than eastern Altadena. The fire tragically claimed 19 lives in January 2025. This investigation marks a significant civil rights probe into fire response.
Another incident involved the NBA All-Star Game. Kawhi Leonard was a late addition [initial context]. He thrilled the hometown crowd [initial context]. Anthony Edwards was named MVP [initial context]. Team USA Stars won the event on February 15, 2026 [initial context]. Thousands also gathered for a protest in downtown Los Angeles. This event supported the Iranian regime change movement on February 14, 2026 [initial context]. On a separate note, a small plane crashed into a Ventura County canal Sunday night [initial context]. Two individuals sustained critical injuries [initial context]. An LAPD motorcycle officer was also hospitalized after a freeway crash [initial context]. A stolen vehicle pursuit occurred in Glendale [initial context].
Outlook for the Week
The storm system was expected to linger. Forecasters predicted more rain on Tuesday and Wednesday. By the end of the week, total rainfall could reach 2 to 4 inches in coastal and valley areas. Mountain and foothill regions might receive 4 to 8 inches. Meteorologists warned of a “soggy, wet period” lasting much of the week. The threat of thunderstorms also remained possible. The potential for brief, weak tornadoes was noted in the LA Basin. Residents were advised to stay vigilant as weather conditions evolved. This series of storms highlighted the unpredictable nature of California’s weather patterns. It also underscored ongoing community concerns and events within the Los Angeles area.
The storm’s arrival coincided with busy weekend activities. Six Flags Magic Mountain closed for the day due to the storm. This marked a significant disruption for holiday weekend plans. The weather served as a reminder of nature’s power. It also coincided with other trending stories impacting the region.
