NEVADA COUNTY,Calif. February 19, 2026 – The brunt of this winter storm is behind us. However, very cold temperatures are forecast for Friday morning. Temperatures will be freezing to below freezing. These temperatures will impact plants, pets, and the unhoused and those without power and or adequate heating. Here are a few tips to get you through this.
Check on each other
Especially in areas without power, check on your neighbors if possible. Reach out to friends and family members and make sure they’re OK.
Power safety
Report downed power lines by calling 9-1-1 and then contacting your utility provider: PG&E at 1-800-743-5000, Truckee Donner Public Utility District at 530-587-3896, or Liberty Utilities at 1-844-245-6868. Never touch or walk near a downed powerline, assume it is energized and extremely dangerous.
If using generators during outages, keep them outside and away from windows to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. Do not overload your portable generators, check the manufacturer’s rating before starting the generator. Check your extension cords as well, do not overload them as they can catch fire.
Roads
Drive safely if you must be on the road and report any flooding, mudslides or downed trees on County maintained roadways at public.works@nevadacountyca.gov or 530-265-1411. Crews are on call after hours to respond to urgent issues.
Roof/snow load safety
With heavy snowfall across Nevada County, the Building Department urges residents and businesses to monitor roofs for structural stress, especially flat, low-slope, or older buildings, and to keep vents clear to prevent carbon monoxide hazards. Property owners should exercise caution when removing snow and contact licensed contractors if assistance is needed.
Trees
There are numerous reports of down trees throughout the storm area. Try not to park your vehicle under a tree until the snow and cold snap are over.
Food safety
With extended power outages in Nevada County, the Department of Environmental Health reminds residents to keep refrigerators and freezers closed to protect perishable food, discard any items above 40°F or showing signs of spoilage. More information and resources can be found on this linked webpage.
Resources:
Dial 2-1-1 to reach a local Connecting Point specialist. 2-1-1 can help connect residents to shelter, food, warming locations, and other storm resources.
FREED staff are available for winter storm related support 7am-7pm through Sunday, February 22nd. If you are an older adult and/or person with a disability impacted by power outages we can help with hotel stays (including covering food costs while you are away from home), or reimbursement for generator fuel or firewood during the time your power is out. Find out if you qualify by calling us at 800-655-7732. Please note our staff are only able to respond to winter storm related requests over the weekend, our office in Grass Valley remains closed due to weather and road conditions, and many of our staff are also impacted by the storm, so we have reduced staff capacity. Thank you for your patience and understanding. Full details here.
The NSJ Community Center, 29190 State Highway 49, North San Juan, is open as a warming shelter for the duration of the storm! Come have a warm meal and place to rest out of the cold. All are welcome, any time.
Sierra Roots, in partnership with Nevada County, will open the Emergency Weather Shelter today and Friday, Feb. 19 and 20. Location: Nevada City Vets Hall, 415 N Pine Street. The shelter provides a warm, safe indoor space for community members who need protection from dangerous overnight weather. Participants can expect a warm place to sleep indoors with blankets, hot dinner and breakfast, and basic supplies to support health and safety. Doors Open between 4:30 – 8 p.m. Dinner is served at 5:30 p.m. Pets are welcome. Pets must remain with their owner, and stay on leash at all times. Volunteer and meal sponsor opportunities. Sierra Roots welcomes community support during shelter activations. If you are interested in volunteering or becoming a meal sponsor, please contact alice@sierraroots.org.
We’ll continue to post closures and updates on our incident pages. Be safe out there!