Early in 2026, a large portion of the western United States will have low-elevation rain, with Northern California experiencing the greatest danger of floods and traffic delays. Closing mountain passes will also be threatened by declining snow levels.
Southern California’s coastal regions were soaked by the first round of intense rain from Wednesday nite to Thursday early. With 2.46 inches of rain from the storm, San Diego was among the wettest locations and saw some of the worst flooding. 1.84 inches of rain soaked spectators who were holding their spots for Pasadena, California’s annual New Year’s dawn parade.
Quick Fact
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| What Happened | A major Pacific storm threatens heavy rain and flooding. |
| Location | Northern and Central California, including Sacramento. |
| Expected Timing | Sunday through Monday evening. |
| Coastal Rainfall | 2 to 4 inches in many areas. |
| Sierra Nevada Rainfall | 4 to 8 inches, with a possible maximum of 12 inches. |
| Sacramento Rainfall | Approximately 2 to 4 inches. |
| Potential Hazards | Flash flooding, mudslides, strong winds, and small hail. |
| Safety Advice | Monitor local weather alerts and avoid flooded roads. |
Major Storm Threatens California With Flooding
While pockets of rain and high-country snow drifted across the Northwest states, the interior deserts, and the Intermountain West, much of California saw a respite in the weather on Friday nite.
The main storm was well offshore over the Pacific, and it continued to rain into Friday nite. The rain will then intensify and concentrate on Northern and Central California as the storm moves eastward into early this week.
Widespread flash flooding and mudslides might result from the formation of an air river, which would intensify the rain.
Heavy Rain Threatens California With Flooding
Through Saturday night, there will be intermittent showers and most of the rain will remain north of San Diego, Los Angeles, and northwest of Las Vegas. More consistent rain is expected to arrive on Sunday from the west.
Through Monday nighte, a lot of the California coast north of Los Angeles is expected to receive 2-4 inches of rain, with locally higher totals. With an AccuWeather Local StormMaxTM of 12 inches, 4–8 inches of rain are expected along the lower, west-facing slopes of the northern Sierra Nevada. Sacramento may receive two to four inches of rain, flooding most of California’s Central Valley.
