California began Monday bracing for a powerful winter storm that brought treacherous thunderstorms, high winds and heavy snow across the state, with impacts ranging from flash-flood warnings to disrupted roadways. In Los Angeles County, officials issued flash flood warnings as rain pounded the region, while areas scarred by last year’s wildfires received evacuation warnings through Tuesday because of potential mud and debris flows. 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.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass ordered emergency crews and city departments to be ready to respond to problems as the weather moved in, according to the report. The storm also caused temporary traffic halts on Interstate 80 near the Nevada state line due to spinouts and crashes, the California Department of Transportation said. In Santa Barbara County, a large tree toppled onto U.S. 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. They warned that heavy snow, wind and low visibility could make travel conditions dangerous to near impossible.
The storm’s timing and intensity also prompted local officials to remind residents to stay alert. The Shasta County Sheriff’s Office said it had “seemed ‘springlike’ for a large part of 2026, but winter is set to show it’s not quite done yet,” in a social media post urging residents to stay aware of the storm.
Some businesses and attractions adjusted operations in the storm’s wake. Six Flags Magic Mountain closed Monday due to the weather, and Knott’s Berry Farm shut its doors early, while local ski resorts that have waited weeks for snow celebrated the arrival of winter conditions. Another coastal system was also already affecting the Bay Area: a coastal flood advisory was in effect for San Francisco until Tuesday afternoon, and the National Weather Service in Monterey reported cooler showers and a chance of hail on Tuesday, with nearby mountains expecting snow.
The storm came as parts of the West continued to recover from a snow drought. The report said snow cover and depth in much of the American West were measuring at the lowest levels scientists have seen in decades, with most states seeing half their average precipitation or less in January, though California fared better due to heavy rains in December. For residents in mountain communities, the fresh storm arrived after damage from earlier weather.
Kashawna McInerny, a Realtor in the mountain community of Wrightwood, about 80 miles (130 kilometers) northeast of Los Angeles, said Monday she was still dealing with several tons of rock and debris on her property from Christmas and New Year’s storms. 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, adding, “We’re not panicking yet. At least I’m not,” with a laugh.
Outside California, other states faced different threats. Residents in parts of eastern Colorado received warnings that they could be in fire danger due to abnormally high temperatures, gusty winds and dry conditions, with risks expected to continue into the week as gusts up to 60 mph (96 kph) were likely on Tuesday. Parts of Texas, New Mexico and Kansas were also under red flag warnings.