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Rain, whipping winds and heavy snow are set to slam California this weekend — marking the Golden State’s coldest storm of the season, forecasters warned.
The frigid and potentially dangerous conditions will impact the Sacramento Valley starting late Sunday, creating travel nightmares for those heading to the mountains over the long Presidents Day weekend, the National Weather Service said.
Snow falls at the Mammoth Mountain Ski resort in Mammoth Lakes, Calif., in December. APDry weather through Saturday! But coldest storm of the season so far will arrive later Sunday w/ periods of beneficial rain, gusty winds, & significant snow in the mountains. Lowering snow levels will cause difficult travel for the end of the holiday weekend. Plan ahead! #cawx pic.twitter.com/0EXB9Wj4eA
— NWS Sacramento (@NWSSacramento) February 12, 2026Up to a foot of snow could drop on areas with elevations of 3,000 to 4,000 feet.
“Expect hazardous mountain travel late Sunday thru at least Wednesday,” the weather service said.
Rain will drench the state from Sacramento to San Luis Obispo, with Southern California expected to see thunderstorms and treacherous surf beginning late Sunday.
Water floods the streets ponchos as they walk up Colorado Blvd in the rain before the start of the 137th Rose Parade on New Years Day in Pasadena, California, on January 1 AFP via Getty ImagesA high surf advisory has already been issued along the Central Coast through Saturday morning, with waves of 9 to 13 feet and dangerous rip currents.
Adding to the chaotic conditions, a portion of Central California is currently under a dense fog advisory, with visibility potentially dropping to zero.
Fog in the Central Valley has long posed a danger to drivers, causing a 59-car pileup near Fresno in late January.
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