Powerful Winter Storm Batters California with Floods, Snow, and Evacuations
A powerful winter storm slammed into California on Monday, unleashing treacherous thunderstorms, high winds, and heavy snowfall in mountain regions. The severe weather prompted flash flood warnings for millions of residents in Los Angeles County, while evacuation warnings were issued in areas previously devastated by wildfires due to the looming threat of mud and debris flows through Tuesday.
Emergency Response and Travel Disruptions
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass mobilized emergency crews and city departments to prepare for potential crises. The storm wreaked havoc on roadways from Sonoma County to the Sierra Nevada, causing significant travel disruptions. The California Department of Transportation reported that traffic was temporarily halted in both directions on Interstate 80 near the Nevada state line due to multiple spinouts and crashes. In Santa Barbara County, a large tree collapsed onto US-101, forcing the closure of southbound lanes.
Heavy Snowfall and Dangerous Conditions
Forecasters warned that the western slope of the Sierra Nevada, northern Shasta County—including sections of Interstate 5—and parts of the state's Coast Range could receive up to 8 feet (2.4 meters) of snow before the storm subsides late Wednesday. The combination of heavy snow, strong winds, and low visibility is expected to create dangerous to near-impossible travel conditions. "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 stated in a social media post, urging residents to remain vigilant.
Impacts on Attractions and Regional Concerns
In Southern California, Six Flags Magic Mountain was closed on Monday due to the storm, and Knott's Berry Farm amusement park shut its doors early. However, local ski resorts welcomed the winter weather after weeks of waiting for snow. Meanwhile, California's Office of Emergency Services deployed fire and rescue personnel and resources to areas at highest risk for flooding and mudslides.
Broader Weather Threats and Historical Context
Other states faced different weather threats on Monday. Residents in parts of eastern Colorado received warnings about fire danger due to abnormally high temperatures, gusty winds, and dry conditions, with risks expected to persist as gusts up to 60 mph (96 kph) were forecast for the Colorado eastern plains on Tuesday. Red flag warnings were also in effect for parts of Texas, New Mexico, and Kansas.
This latest storm arrives amid a snow drought across much of the American West, with snow cover and depth at the lowest levels scientists have observed in decades. Most states experienced half their average precipitation or less in January, though California fared better than others due to heavy rains in December.
Ongoing Stormy Weather and Personal Accounts
The storm marks the first of several days of inclement 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 anticipated snow, according to the National Weather Service in Monterey.
Kashawna McInerny, a Realtor in the mountain community of Wrightwood, about 80 miles (130 kilometers) northeast of Los Angeles, shared her experience on Monday. She is still dealing with several tons of rock and debris on her property from Christmas and New Year's storms that battered the community. After the last storm, she received help trenching part of her side yard to direct stormwater down the street and placed a barrier of metal and wood by a door to prevent mud and debris from entering. "We're not panicking yet. At least I'm not," she said with a laugh.
