Winter storms hit Northern California with flood, wind advisories. What to know
Thunderstorms and winter storms are moving through for portions of Northern California into Wednesday, Feb. 18, according to National Weather Service Sacramento.
In addition to previous wind and storm advisories, the weather service issued a flood advisory shortly before 10 a.m. Monday.
Here’s what you need to know about the “coldest storm of the season.”
Minor flooding, high winds possible through Monday evening
The National Weather Service said minor flooding is possible for portions of Placer, Amador, Calaveras, El Dorado, Sacramento, San Joaquin, Stanislaus and Yolo counties.
It reported 1 to 2 inches of rain had fallen in the advisory area in the last 12 hours. And the weather service warned drivers to be cautious when navigating poor drainage or low-lying areas.
As of 10:26 a.m. Monday, Folsom reported 2.6 inches of rainfall. Elk Grove reported 2.09 inches. And Sacramento reported 1.91 inches of rainfall.
The previously issued wind advisory now remains in effect until Thursday at 10 p.m. The weather service said gusts are expected to reach up to 45 mph. It also warned the high winds could exacerbate road conditions and advised “extra caution.”
Snow hits Sierra Nevada, foothills
A winter storm warning was issued for the foothills and mountains of interior Northern California through 10 p.m. Wednesday, according to the weather service’s X posts.
Mountain travelers are highly discouraged to travel during this time, according to the weather service.
The California Department of Transportation said in a Facebook post traffic leaving South Lake Tahoe and Truckee were backed up on Highway 50 and Interstate 80.
“Be prepared for chain controls and significantly increased travel times,” Caltrans said.
The announcement was first made on Friday, Feb. 13.
Areas of elevation above 1,500 feet can expect between 1 and 8 feet of snow with wind gusts of 24 to 55 mph.
These areas include Donner Pass, South Lake Tahoe, Chester, Reno, Placerville and Quincy.
The National Weather Service warns travelers and residents of near white-out conditions, major travel delays, road closures and chain controls.
This story was originally published February 16, 2026 at 11:19 AM with the headline "Winter storms hit Northern California with flood, wind advisories. What to know."
