Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Severe Winter Storm Hits California: Snow, Power Outages

2/18/2026

42 10 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

A severe winter storm hits California, bringing the coldest air mass in three years, heavy snowfall, and power outages.
The National Weather Service forecasts over three feet of snow in the Sierra Nevadas and heavy rain in Los Angeles and San Diego, with evacuation warnings in southern California.
Road closures, including I-80, are reported due to snow and avalanches.
Stanford University is temporarily closed due to a power outage.

History

Historical Context

The Great Blizzard of 1888 struck the northeastern United States in March, causing over 400 deaths and crippling cities like New York. With winds exceeding 45 mph and snowdrifts reaching 50 feet, the storm disrupted transportation and communication. This event highlighted vulnerabilities in infrastructure and remains a significant example of the challenges posed by extreme weather, echoing concerns about climate resilience today.

1 of 2

Story summary

A severe winter storm hits California, bringing the coldest air mass in three years, heavy snowfall, and power outages.
The National Weather Service forecasts over three feet of snow in the Sierra Nevadas and heavy rain in Los Angeles and San Diego, with evacuation warnings in southern California.
Road closures, including I-80, are reported due to snow and avalanches.
Stanford University is temporarily closed due to a power outage.

1 / 2