California has been hit by some of the most extreme weather of the season, with severe storms, dangerous mudslides, and life-threatening avalanches shaking the state over the past few days. But in a dramatic turn, forecasters say the skies will soon clear, setting the stage for a surprisingly warm and sunny President’s Day weekend.
Deadly Storms and Avalanches Create Chaos
A powerful storm system moved across the state earlier this week, unleashing torrential rain, strong winds, and heavy snowfall in the mountains. While the worst of the storm has passed, its effects are still being felt.
- Avalanche at Mammoth Mountain – Two ski patrollers were injured Friday morning while conducting avalanche control operations. One of them suffered serious injuries and had to be airlifted to a hospital. Mammoth Mountain, which was buried under six feet of snow in just 36 hours, had to close operations temporarily due to the extreme conditions. A backcountry avalanche warning remains in effect for the Eastern Sierra region, as unstable snowpack continues to pose a major risk.
- Mudslides in Southern California – Areas hit hardest by recent wildfires are now dealing with dangerous mudslides. Heavy rain over the past few days has caused roads to be blocked by debris, with some cars even buried under feet of mud. Authorities have issued evacuation warnings for neighborhoods in Malibu, Pacific Palisades, and Altadena, where the risk of further slides remains high.
- Flooding and Road Closures – With more than five inches of rain falling in a short period, streets in some urban areas have been left underwater. Emergency crews have worked around the clock to clear debris, rescue stranded motorists, and ensure public safety.
From Chaos to Calm: A Quick Return to Sunshine
In an unexpected twist, California’s weather is set to quickly stabilize just in time for the holiday weekend. Forecasters predict a major warm-up, with temperatures climbing into the upper 60s and low 70s across much of the state.
- Los Angeles will see a weekend filled with sunshine and comfortable temperatures, with highs reaching 72°F (22°C) on Sunday.
- San Francisco will enjoy mild and partly sunny weather, with brief clouds and a possible light shower on Sunday, but nothing significant.
- San Diego will be warm and pleasant, with highs nearing 75°F (24°C) on Monday.
What Residents Need to Watch For
While the return of sunshine is good news, the aftermath of the storm still poses risks. Residents should remain cautious, especially in mountainous and wildfire-scarred regions.
- Avalanche Danger – Backcountry skiers and snowboarders should avoid high-risk areas and check avalanche forecasts before heading out. The snowpack is still unstable, and conditions could remain hazardous for days.
- Mudslide Risks Continue – Even though the rain is over, the ground is still soaked and unstable. Hillsides could collapse without warning, especially in areas with burn scars from past wildfires.
- Melting Snow Could Cause Flooding – With warmer temperatures moving in, rapid snowmelt in the mountains could send excess water downstream, leading to possible flooding in lower elevations.
Final Thoughts
California is experiencing one of the most dramatic weather swings of the season. After days of dangerous storms, avalanches, and mudslides, the weather is finally taking a turn for the better. As residents prepare for a beautiful holiday weekend, it’s still important to stay aware of lingering hazards in affected areas. For those looking to enjoy the warm-up, now is the perfect time to take advantage of the break in the weather—but always keep an eye on local forecasts, as California’s weather can change in an instant.