Riverside Local Briefing: Storm Impacts, Health Alert, and Fair Season

Winter storm continues to impact Riverside County

Mountain areas of Riverside County remain under a winter storm warning through Thursday night, with heavy snow and strong winds creating dangerous travel conditions on higher-elevation roads. Forecasts call for additional inches of snow above 5,000 feet and gusts that can bring down tree limbs and power lines.

In lower elevations, including the city of Riverside, periods of rain, cooler temperatures, and gusty winds are expected to linger before a gradual warmup early next week. Residents are being urged to slow down on wet roads, watch for localized flooding, and avoid mountain travel unless absolutely necessary.

More rain and snow expected Thursday

Forecasters say the region is getting a brief midweek break between storm systems, but another round of showers is expected to arrive by early Thursday. The system will keep daytime highs in the 50s around Riverside and 40s in the local mountains, with snow levels dropping as low as 3,500 to 4,000 feet at times.

County fire officials are reminding residents to clear debris from storm drains, stay away from fast-moving water, and never attempt to drive through flooded intersections. Strong winds may also make driving difficult for high-profile vehicles on area freeways.

Health officials track localized measles outbreak

Riverside County public health officials report a localized measles outbreak in western Riverside County, with three confirmed cases so far this year. The most recent cases involve an adult and a child believed to be linked to the first reported infection; both are recovering at home.

Health leaders are urging residents to review their vaccination records and contact their healthcare provider if they are unsure about their measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) status. Anyone experiencing symptoms such as fever, cough, red eyes, and rash is advised to call ahead before visiting a clinic or emergency department so staff can take appropriate precautions.

Riverside County Fair & National Date Festival draws crowds

Fair season is underway in Riverside County, with the Riverside County Fair & National Date Festival continuing its February run in Indio. The annual event features rides, arena shows, concerts, livestock exhibits, and plenty of date-themed food, drawing visitors from across the Inland Empire.

Organizers are encouraging fairgoers to plan ahead for parking and heavier-than-normal traffic near the fairgrounds, especially on weekends and evenings. Residents heading east from Riverside may also encounter lingering wet-weather impacts on regional highways, so extra travel time is recommended.

Looking ahead: Spring events and safety efforts

Even as winter weather lingers, Riverside is looking toward spring. The city is promoting events such as April’s Riverside Insect Fair in downtown, which will bring hands-on science activities, art, and educational exhibits for families.

At the same time, city fire officials are preparing for upcoming wildfire safety inspections in designated hazard zones, part of a broader push to harden neighborhoods before the peak fire season. Homeowners are encouraged to begin clearing vegetation and reviewing emergency plans early.

Sources

• https://govonestop.com/alert/winter-storm-warning-02182026-0250-california-0
• https://mynewsla.com/riverside/2026/02/18/more-rain-snow-expected-in-riverside-county-on-thursday/
• https://www.ruhealth.org/ru/node/10041
• https://www.datefest.org/
• https://riversideca.gov/insectfair
• https://riversideca.gov/fire/community-wildfire-preparedness