WeatherNation issued a warning at approximately 12:15 AM UTC on February 16, 2026, for a powerful storm hitting California after a warm, dry January, forecasting feet of snow in the Sierra Nevada mountains, inches of rain in lower elevations, and possible severe storms including damaging winds and tornadoes in Los Angeles by Monday morning, according to a post on X. The forecast follows the National Weather Service Bay Area's first Winter Weather Advisory since March 2023, issued February 15 for 5 to 10 inches of snow—up to 18 inches on peaks—above 3,000 feet in the Santa Lucia Mountains and San Benito County mountains from 4 p.m. Monday to 4 p.m. Wednesday, as cited by CaliFireTracker. This advisory highlights slick roads and reduced visibility hazards over the three-day period. Additional posts during the reporting window from 12:15 AM to 1:45 AM UTC on February 16 noted expectations of 6.5 inches of snow in valleys and strong snow accumulation for west ski areas to recover lost time, quoting meteorologist @cdnpolar, according to The31stState on X. The storm pattern shift contrasts with January's conditions, with the NWS advisory marking the first such alert in nearly three years for the region.
