Feb. 16, 2026, 2:10 p.m. PT
- A winter storm is expected to bring strong winds, heavy rain and snow to Northern California this week.
- Wind gusts up to 55 mph could cause power outages, and heavy rain may lead to slick roads.
- Significant snowfall is predicted for the mountains and foothills, with a possibility of flakes in the Redding area.
Strong gusty winds from a winter storm could cause power outages and make road travel hazardous this week, the National Weather Service said on Monday.
Heavy rain could make roads slick in the valley and drop snow in the mountains and lower foothills. By Wednesday some flakes could fall in valley areas as low as Redding, forecasters said.
The weather service issued a winter storm warning for most of Shasta County and connecting counties, including areas around Redding. Motorists should prepare for icy roads, chain controls, heavy snowfall and whiteout conditions in places.
Here’s what to know about the winter storm including highway travel, power outages and where snow will fall.
How strong will the wind get? Will the power go out?
The worst of the wind arrives on Tuesday, the weather service’s Sacramento branch said. Wind gusts up to 55 mph could damage trees and blow debris into power lines, causing outages throughout Shasta and Tehama counties.
If snow levels drop low enough, that wind could cause whiteout conditions in the foothills and make mountain travel difficult to impossible for drivers.
Refresh your browser for the latest radar loop.
To report a power outage in Redding, call Redding Electric Utility at 530-339-7200.
For Pacific Gas and Electric customers, call 800-743-5002. If you see a downed power pole or power line, or if you smell gas, stay clear of the area and call 911, utility companies said.
Track power outages in your area at data.redding.com/national-power-outage-map-tracker.
How much rain will Redding get?
Forecasters expect up to 4 inches of rain will fall on Redding between Monday and the weekend. The storm could form thunderheads with lightning early in the week.
Heaviest rain will fall north of Redding, with Lake Shasta getting as much as 8 inches of rain by Sunday, the weather service said.
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Will it snow in Redding? How much snow is on the way?
It’s possible Redding could get some snow, the weather service said, but it’s more likely flakes will land just north of the city.
Up to 18 inches of snow will fall in the foothills, up to 2 feet of snow in the mountains in eastern Shasta County and along the Siskiyou County border, forecasters said. Snow levels will drop as low as 1,500 by Tuesday morning, as low as 750 feet by Wednesday.
However, this storm is fickle, the weather service said, so depending on how the weather pans out, it’s possible Redding could get snow.
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Will weather affect I-5, Highway 299, Highway 44 conditions?
Forecasters advised people to avoid driving when possible during the storm. If you go, plan for travel delays and road closures at least through Wednesday, they said.
Redding roads will be slick from the rain most of the week, so drivers should slow down and watch for debris blown into the road by wind, the weather service and California Highway Patrol said.
Motorists should watch for patchy ice along roads in the foothills and mountains, especially in the early morning hours. Prepare for chain controls north of Redding on Interstate 5 and on Highway 44 driving toward Burney. The safest day to travel is Sunday, Feb. 22, the Shasta County Sheriff’s Burney office said.
The California Department of Transportation recommends people check road conditions before they go at quickmap.dot.ca.gov.
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Did Mt. Shasta Ski Park re-open?
The Mt. Shasta Ski Park will re-open on Tuesday, the park announced on its website, after closing for a week due to lack of snow.
The storm could dump up to 8 feet of snow on the mountain this week, the weather service said.
Check the ski park’s website at skipark.com for more information.
People commuting up to the ski park should “slow down, increase following distance, and be prepared for rapidly changing road conditions,” the Mount Shasta Police Department said.
Jessica Skropanic is a features reporter for the Record Searchlight/USA Today Network. She covers science, arts, social issues and news stories. Follow her on Twitter @RS_JSkropanic and on Facebook. Join Jessica on Record Searchlight Facebook groups Get Out! Nor Cal , Today in Shasta County and Shaping Redding’s Future. To support and sustain this work, please subscribe today. Thank you.
