Winter Storm, Measles Cases and Fair Season Top Riverside News

Riverside, CA — February 17, 2026 — A powerful winter storm, new public-health alerts and a major county fair opening are the big stories for Riverside today.

Winter storm brings rain, mountain snow and wind

A series of Pacific storm systems is moving across Riverside County this week, delivering steady rain to the metro area and heavy snow in the mountains.

The National Weather Service has a Winter Storm Warning in effect for the Riverside County mountains through Wednesday, with forecasters calling for more than a foot of snow above about 6,000 feet and strong gusty winds that could make travel difficult or impossible on high-elevation roads.

Locally, the first wave of the storm arrived Monday, bringing around a half-inch of rain to valley locations and prompting warnings about flooded roads, downed power lines and fast-moving water in low-lying areas. More showers and mountain snow are expected through midweek, along with cooler daytime highs in the 50s and overnight lows in the 40s across much of the county.

Residents are being urged to clear storm drains, avoid driving through standing water and give extra space to emergency vehicles during the wet weather.

County confirms localized measles outbreak

Riverside County health officials have confirmed the second and third measles cases of the year, declaring a localized outbreak of three total cases.

The latest infections involve an adult and a child who both tested positive after the county’s first case was reported earlier this month. Health leaders are again stressing that measles is highly contagious and can linger in the air for up to two hours, making vaccination the best protection for families, especially before traveling or attending large events.

Public-health reminders emphasize checking that children and adults are up to date on the MMR vaccine and watching for symptoms such as fever, cough, runny nose and rash. Anyone who thinks they may have been exposed is advised to contact a healthcare provider before showing up in person so clinics can take precautions.

Riverside County Fair & National Date Festival in full swing

While storms roll through, one of the region’s biggest annual celebrations is underway in the Coachella Valley. The Riverside County Fair & National Date Festival in Indio opened for its 2026 run on February 12 and continues through March 1.

This year’s theme, “Return to the Oasis,” brings back classic fair traditions along with new attractions, including arts and food vendors, a tiki-inspired lounge and a full carnival midway operated with wristbands or Magic Money ride credits.

The fair runs Thursdays through Sundays plus Presidents Day Monday, with concerts, arena shows and family activities scheduled throughout. Organizers expect large crowds over the upcoming weekend, and fairgoers are encouraged to plan for wet weather, allow extra travel time in the rain and check conditions before driving through storm-affected areas.

Sources

• https://kesq.com/weather/alerts-weather/2026/02/16/winter-storm-warning-issued-february-16-at-427am-pst-until-february-18-at-1200pm-pst-by-nws-san-diego-ca/
• https://mynewsla.com/orange-county/2026/02/16/winter-storm-arrives-in-riverside-county/
• https://www.cbsnews.com/losangeles/news/riverside-county-localized-measles-outbreak-third-case/
• https://rivco.org/news/riverside-county-fair-national-date-festival-opens-tomorrow-new-fun-fairgoers
• https://www.datefest.org/p/riverside-county-fair/plan-your-visit/tickets
• https://butleramusements.com/events/12