Second in a Series of Storms Floods Many Westside Streets Wednesday

February 18, 2026: Flash floods have swept through parts of Los Angeles as a powerful series of atmospheric river storms continues to batter large areas of California, causing widespread flooding, road closures, and debris flows.

The high-impact weather system, which began delivering heavy rain on Monday, February 16, 2026, has triggered urban flooding across the Los Angeles Basin, with water levels rising significantly in streets and neighborhoods. Reports indicate that vehicles were stranded in floodwaters, some submerged up to mid-door level in areas like Westwood, while businesses in districts such as Melrose and Fairfax experienced inundation. Additional impacts include multiple debris flows that closed sections of roads, such as Topanga Canyon Road in Los Angeles County, and prompted ongoing cleanup efforts from toppled trees and mudslides.

The National Weather Service (NWS) in Los Angeles/Oxnard issued flash flood warnings and alerts affecting parts of Los Angeles County, specifically highlighting the risk in areas including Santa Monica, West Hollywood, and Beverly Hills due to heavy downpours and poor drainage. These warnings emphasized the potential for rapid flooding on streets, highways, small creeks, and burn scar zones from previous wildfires, where evacuation warnings were extended for vulnerable communities near the Palisades, Hurst, and Sunset areas to guard against mud and debris flows.

Rainfall totals from the initial wave of the storm reached 1.5 to 2.5 inches in coastal and valley areas of Los Angeles County, sufficient to cause widespread street flooding during peak downpours. The storms have also brought heavy mountain snow, strong winds, and isolated thunderstorms, with some locations shattering daily rainfall records.

A flood watch remains in effect for much of the region, including Los Angeles and Ventura counties, with additional heavy showers and thunderstorms forecast through at least Wednesday, February 18, 2026. Forecasters warn that another round of moisture could bring 0.25 to 1 inch of rain to coastal and valley areas overnight into early Wednesday, with up to 2 inches possible in the mountains, heightening risks of further flash flooding and slippery roads.

Officials, including Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, have urged residents to stay informed, avoid flooded areas, and follow local guidance. Motorists are advised to turn around if encountering high water, and those in burn scar zones should remain prepared for potential evacuations. The multi-day storm pattern is expected to continue producing hazards across California through much of the week, including in northern parts of the state where even heavier rain has fallen in some coastal ranges.