San Francisco Daily: Storm Impacts, Schools Deal, Chinatown Festivities
San Francisco, CA – February 18, 2026 – Winter weather lingers, teachers secure a healthcare deal, and Lunar New Year celebrations light up Chinatown.
San Francisco, CA locals are waking up to a mix of winter weather concerns, major progress for public school employees, and a full slate of Lunar New Year events across the city.
Winter weather advisory for higher elevations
A winter weather advisory from the National Weather Service remains in effect through Wednesday afternoon for higher elevations under the San Francisco forecast office. While the city itself is seeing cold rain and gusty winds, areas above roughly 3,000 feet in nearby ranges are facing several inches of snow, slick roads, and reduced visibility.
Travelers heading over higher passes or into the Central Coast and eastern Santa Clara County mountains are being urged to allow extra time, watch for downed trees, and be prepared for possible power issues. For most San Francisco neighborhoods, the main impacts today are chilly temperatures, occasional showers, and blustery conditions.
San Francisco educators end strike with breakthrough deal
San Francisco public schools are moving back toward normal operations after thousands of educators ended a rare citywide strike late last week. The union representing teachers and school staff announced a tentative deal that includes fully funded family healthcare starting in 2027 along with pay increases.
The strike, which lasted four days, was the first major walkout by city educators in decades and disrupted classes at more than 100 schools. Union leaders say the agreement is a step toward stabilizing the workforce and improving retention in a city where living costs continue to climb. The deal still needs ratification, but both sides are signaling cautious optimism.
Chinatown caps Lunar New Year with big downtown events
After a busy holiday weekend, Lunar New Year celebrations are continuing in and around Chinatown. A major Chinese New Year Day ceremony and Choy Sun Doe tradition at Portsmouth Square is bringing costumed performers and red envelope giveaways to the heart of the neighborhood.
Grant Avenue and surrounding streets have been filled with visitors for flower markets, cultural performances, lion dances, and family activities as the city rings in the Year of the Horse. Attention now turns to the upcoming Chinese New Year Parade later this month and a Lunar New Year concert and banquet at Davies Symphony Hall, both expected to draw large crowds downtown.
Looking ahead
Residents can expect unsettled weather through today before conditions gradually dry out later in the week. City agencies are urging people to use public transit where possible during ongoing festivities and to bundle up if heading to outdoor New Year events.
Sources
https://havanatimes.org/news/international-news-briefs-for-monday-february-16-2026/
https://downtownsf.org/post/celebrate-lunar-new-year-2026-downtown-san-francisco-guide
10 Wonderful Ways To Celebrate Lunar New Year In San Francisco
https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/lunar-new-year-2026-bay-area-celebrations-events/4035706/
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