New Year, New Storms for California and the Rest of the West

The start of 2026 is picking up where 2025 left off in California and much of the rest of the western U.S. More stormy conditions will bring heavy rain and a renewed threat of flash flooding to a large swath of the West. Meanwhile, colder temperatures in the mountains will bring down snow levels, resulting in the potential of pass shutdowns as holiday revelers head home. Here is a look at what is shaping up to be a messy start to the year in California and beyond.

Start of New Year Bringing Fresh Wave of Storms to the West Coast

Northern California will see the persistent chance of flash flooding in the days ahead as rain continues to fall in sheets. This low-elevation rain will expand to other areas of the western U.S. through the weekend.

Colder temperatures in the mountains will translate to more snow for the region's most traveled passes. Local officials are already warning that some of the busiest passes will be forced to close at times if road crews cannot keep up with the accumulating snowfall.