Winter Storm Warnings for 15 Feet of Snow and 100+ MPH Winds Loom

The National Weather Service and a veteran meteorologist are forecasting winter storm warnings that could bring 15 feet of snow and wind gusts beyond 100 mph in the coming days. The barrage of systems that will hit the West Coast is predicted to pose risks of power outages and periods of whiteout conditions that can make safe travel impossible.

Where the 15 Feet of Snow and 100+ MPH Winds Are Expected

Vehicles drive on I-80 as snow falls north of Lake Tahoe in California's Sierra Nevada mountains during a powerful winter storm. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images)

Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images

The National Weather Service in Reno, Nevada, issued an urgent winter storm warning on February 16, 2026. It calls for wind gusts exceeding 100 mph striking the Sierra Nevada ridges, a region that falls in California and Nevada. It also forecasted that areas alongside highway US-395, which runs through California, Nevada, and Washington, could face gusts of 60 to 70 mph.

On February 15, 2026, the NBC News affiliate WFLA-TV's "Chief Meteorologist and Climate Specialist," Jeff Berardelli, posted on X about several winter storms heading for the West Coast. In particular, he warned that the highest regions of the Sierra Nevada will face five storms in 15 days that could potentially bring 15 feet of snow. He also noted that if the models hold up, the snow accumulation could exceed even that staggering number.

"We say #snowmageddon as a joke, but if ever there was a time to use it, it’s now!! Watch as the West Coast gets bombarded by at least 5 storms in 15 days, with up to 15 feet of snow in the high Sierra, and that may be an underestimate if the models verify. NWS says 8 feet possible by Wednesday. Incredible! #snow"

We say #snowmageddon as a joke, but if ever there was a time to use it, it’s now!! Watch as the West Coast gets bombarded by at least 5 storms in 15 days, with up to 15 feet of snow in the high Sierra, and that may be an underestimate if the models verify. NWS says 8 feet… pic.twitter.com/ynMvapST4A

— Jeff Berardelli (@WeatherProf) February 16, 2026

Berardelli is an accomplished meteorologist with extensive experience. A Columbia Climate School profile of him describes him as an on-air TV meteorologist with 20 years of experience. His WFLA-TV profile states that he earned his bachelor’s degree in atmospheric sciences from Cornell University.

How to Prepare for Winter Storm Travel If You Must Drive

The National Weather Service's warning calling for extreme wind speeds also predicts that the system will make it very difficult, if not impossible, to drive due to whiteout conditions. That is why anyone in the affected areas should stay off the roads whenever possible and keep a very close eye on local forecasts. If travel is necessary during winter storm conditions, it is wise to be prepared. A Men's Journal guide on how to build a winter storm travel kit, based on expert advice, recommends bringing the following.

• Flashlight (preferably crank-type, because batteries don’t last long in extreme cold)
• Reflective safety triangles or flares
• Small first-aid kit
• Snow brush and scraper
• Traction aids
• Small shovel with long handle
• Bag of abrasive material: sand, kitty litter (avoid road salt, which can cause your vehicle to rust)
• Plenty of windshield washer fluid
• Booster cables
• Gas-line antifreeze
• Lock de-icer (in extreme cold, keep it with you, rather than in your vehicle!)
• Paper towels
• Small tool kit (screwdriver, pliers, etc.)
• Extra fuses (for the vehicle’s electrical system)
• Warm blanket
• Extra socks, boots and gloves
• Hand and foot warmers
• Bottles of water
• Granola bars

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Discover the 9 Most Expensive Cities in America and Why They Cost So Much

A new survey by Remitly has revealed the least-affordable cities in America, with some surprising results.

California Dominates List of Most-Expensive Cities

The survey found that California dominated the ranking of most-expensive cities, taking six of the nine top spots. These are the nine least-affordable cities in America, according to Remitly: 

• San Jose, CA

• Los Angeles, CA

• Long Beach, CA

• San Diego

• New York City, NY

• Miami, FL

• San Francisco, CA

• Boston, MA

• Oakland, CA

Downtown San Jose long exposure night photography light trails at San Pedro Square

Higher Demand Has Led to Higher Costs

“Home prices are high in many of these cities, especially the California markets. On the one hand, this reflects the desirability of these areas that offer high-paying jobs, a favorable climate, and access to natural and cultural amenities,” Danielle Hale, chief economist at Realtor.com®, toldThe New York Post. “On the other hand, this shows the inability of supply to keep pace with this demand, which means the market clears by pushing prices higher, though prices can also remain high if the cost of bringing a home to the market is elevated by the cost of regulatory compliance.”

Hale went on to explain that the reason California is experiencing such an inflated cost of living is that it’s become exceedingly hard (not to mention expensive) to build on the state’s land. “A recent Realtor.com report showed that homeownership in California has not always been so unaffordable to the typical earner, but in order to move back in that direction, the state needs to take steps to make it easier to build,” she said.

In San Jose, the average home lists for around $1.95 million, while the average annual income tops out around $140,000. Both Los Angeles and Long Beach see average home listings of $1.025 million against citizens’ average annual salaries of around $80,000.

Miami and New York Remain Popular Destinations

As for New York and Miami, “strong demand has outmatched supply, pushing prices higher in a market where proximity is a key marker of value,” Hale explained. “One bright spot for this market is that typical asking prices have been relatively flat in recent months” in the New York market. As for Miami, its popularity endures thanks to “its climate, opportunities, and favorable tax situation.”

“Recent data show that more than a third (33.6 percent) of home shoppers in Miami came from another country or state. In fact, one in five Miami home shoppers was coming from the New York City area. While Miami’s prices have grown, the median remains about a third below the median priced listing in New York City.”

Boston has also risen to become one of the nation’s most expensive cities despite once being on the other side of the equation. “Boston is a major city with above-average wages due in part to a high-skilled workforce and a higher-than-usual share of industries that employ high-wage workers,” Hale said. However, as the city has consistently attracted “these workers and home shoppers from all over, its home prices have risen. Construction in Boston and Massachusetts lags behind its population relative to other states. In fact, Massachusetts earned the lowest rating in our recent state report cards ranking on home affordability and new construction in large part due to its lengthy zoning codes and highly fragmented districts.”

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Wayfair Has a 1-Person Infrared Sauna on Sale for $849 During Its Presidents Day Sale

Men’s Journal aims to feature only the best products and services.  If you buy something via one of our links, we may earn a commission.

In This Story

Erommy Low EMF Far Infrared Mini Sauna, $849 (was $2,546)

Why It's a Big Deal

Wayfair's gigantic Presidents Day sale is up and running, and as usual, copious kinds of home upgrades are seeing substantial discounts. Everything from cold plunges to movie theatre-quality recliners is being marked down, but another category that commands some attention is its at-home saunas. There are options for two-seaters and full-sized solo models, but one that instantly stands out is this mini sauna—during the sale, it's under $850.

The Erommy Low EMF Far Infrared Mini Sauna is on sale for $849 right now, a 67% discount off its full price of $2,546. If you’ve ever contemplated upping your recovery game, this mini sauna is a very affordable way to do it at home, and it’s one of the more compelling sauna deals we’ve seen from Wayfair in a while—most of the time, you're looking at prices from at least $1,200 for a single-person unit.

Erommy Low EMF Far Infrared Mini Sauna, $849 (was $2,546) at Wayfair

Courtesy of Wayfair

What Shoppers Should Know

• Dimensions: 35.6-by-16-by-72 inches
• Materials: 5mm MDF boards (rolled-edge), thickened industrial powder-coated metal
• Adjustable Shelves: 5
• Unit Weight: 129 pounds
• Max Holding Capacity: 2,250 pounds
• Shelves Capacity: ~450 pounds
• Hardware Assembly: No nuts or bolts

This 800-watt mini sauna is designed for one person, with overall dimensions of 27.5-by-32.6-by-60 inches. It's crafted from Canadian hemlock and tempered glass, which has heating panels for even heating distribution. It also has independent zone controls, ambient lighting, MP3 auxiliary input, and built-in Bluetooth speakers. The modular design and groove-lock mechanisms make it fairly easy to assemble by yourself (one reviewer did it in under 30 minutes), and at just 129 pounds and the above dimensions, you'll be able to fit it in basements, larger bathrooms, home gyms, and even walk-in closets. 

This model uses a lower EMF far infrared (FIR) output, as opposed to near infrared (NIR). FIR models like this one deliver deeper, more intense heat, creating a better detoxification session with greater sweating, cardiovascular conditioning, and muscle pain relief. NIR saunas use more superficial wavelengths that are shorter, and can help to enhance skin health, wound healing, and increase collagen production. Both promote relaxation, but FIR is better for sore muscles, and NIR excels for skin health. 

We love covering a good deal on an at-home sauna, but most of those deals sit comfortably in the $1,200 to $2,00 range, even after discounts. The biggest difference maker here is arguably price. A full-wood, far-infarer unit with carbon emitters, Bluetooth tech, and priced under $900, this deal is about as good as they come.

Related: Is a Traditional Backyard Sauna Actually Worth the Money? I Built One to Find Out

What Owners Are Saying

This mini sauna only has a handful of reviews, but it has an almost perfect rating overall. One shopper was so ecstatic about this deal, they said, “This is the best find of the century—fits in small bathrooms and has the ideal specs.”

“Very nice and it was easy to put together; I did it by myself in under 30 minutes,” said another reviewer. It works great, “heats up quickly, and fits one person comfortably.” While they noted there’s little room to stretch or stand, sitting is acceptable. “Does the trick if you want an affordable compact sauna,” said another shopper.

With a total savings of $1,697 on this Erommy mini sauna, you can take those savings and use them on getting some other excellent deals during Wayfair's Presidents Day sale. Don’t wait around, however, because the deals wrap up on Feb. 17.

Shop More Deals

• Tonwin Sauna Backrest, $69 (was $75) at Wayfair
• Aleko Wall-Mounted Sauna Thermometer, $54 (was $79) at Wayfair
• Organize It All Freestanding Towel Stand, $46 (was $70) at Wayfair

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Daytona 500 Start Time Moved Up: Fans Must Tune In Early to Catch the Action

Attention NASCAR fans: The Daytona 500 start time has been moved up by an hour to 1:30 p.m. ET on Fox. The change was made due to rain forecasts threatening the action if the race had started when originally planned. Tune in early or risk missing the green flag drop, which is expected to happen at 2:13 p.m. ET.

Daytona 500 Start Time Shift: Why It Matters and When to Tune In

Today's season-opening Daytona 500 race broadcast was originally set to start airing at 2:30 p.m. ET, with the green flag to be dropped after 3:00 p.m. ET. However, calls for the threat of rain later in the day at the location of the Daytona International Speedway forced a change.

The website for the Daytona International Speedway now lists the event's start time as 1:30 p.m. ET, and the Associated Press confirms the green flag will drop at approximately 2:13 p.m. ET.

For NASCAR fans who don't want to miss any of the action, it is crucial to know about this time change. Viewers who tune in at the original 2:30 p.m. ET time will miss about 17 minutes of the action.

The National Weather Service forecast for Daytona Beach shows a 56% chance of rain by 6 p.m. ET this afternoon. Those chances climb to a 90% chance of precipitation overnight with possible showers and thunderstorms.

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Drummer from Indie Band Dead at 42

The drummer from Atlanta-based indie band Manchester Orchestra has died. Tim Very was 42. Here’s what they said on social media.

“The entire Manchester Orchestra family has been devastated by the sudden passing of our brother, Timothy Very. The most beloved human being any of us were lucky enough to know in this life. We’ve all been dreading sharing this news as we are all still in absolute disbelief.

Tim was instantly likable and interacted with everyone he met with kindness and warmth. His laugh was infectious and he immediately made people feel invited and encouraged. His humor and energy were the very foundation that held together the entire MO universe. Strangers quickly became friends and friends became family.

He had an undeniable light that was only matched by his dedication and love for the craft that he was clearly put on earth to do. No words can ever do him justice. Please know, if you are someone who loved Tim, he loved you too.

The only thing that Tim loved more than creating music was being with his family. You’d be pressed to find a more joyful dad.

We love you Tim, thank you for loving us. You are a force of positivity that will be a constant presence in the rest of our days.”

Cause of Death

No cause of death was announced.

Fans love the songs “The Silence” and “The Gold,” the second of which indie folk singer Phoebe Bridgers has covered beautifully.

2026 Tour

The band’s website lists upcoming tour dates, but it’s unclear what they will do.

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Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi Help 'Wuthering Heights' Crush the Box Office Despite Mediocre Reviews

Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi are powering Emerald Fennell's 2026 adaptation of Emily Brontë's classic novel, "Wuthering Heights," to a strong box office opening despite mediocre reviews from critics.

'Wuthering Heights' Enjoys an Impressive Box Office Start

Jacob Elordi and Margot Robbie at the "Wuthering Heights" World Premiere held at the TCL Chinese Theatre on January 28, 2026, in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Michael Buckner/Variety via Getty Images)

Photo by Michael Buckner on Getty Images

On February 14, 2026, Variety reported that Wuthering Heights earned $11 million domestically on its opening day, making it the number one movie in America. The outlet also reported that the film was produced for $80 million, and it is projected to make $40 million domestically over its opening weekend. That alone would be a very solid start for the film. However, it gets better than that.

Variety also projected that Wuthering Heights is expected to earn an additional $40 million from international markets over the weekend. If those numbers hold or are surpassed, the film will have recovered its production budget within days of its release. While it will also need to recoup its promotional costs to start making a profit, current reports point to the movie being an impressive success.

'Wuthering Heights' Has Received Mixed Reviews From Critics

On Rotten Tomatoes, Wuthering Heights holds a 63% Tomatometer score from critics. While that figure is unimpressive, the website's page summarizing how movie critics reviewed the film includes a positive take from Peter Travers of The Travers Take. "Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi get steamy in Emerald Fennell’s overheated but undercooked take on Emily Brontë’s classic Gothic romance in which they suck each other’s faces with a wild, porny abandon that would shock Victorians. No complaints here."

Additionally, Adam Graham from the Detroit News wrote a review that praised the movie's scope and energy. "This is a large-scale costume drama with an epic scope, and Fennell makes sure it's anything but stodgy."

On the flip side, several Wuthering Heights reviews are sharply negative. Marianna Neal from Impression Blend wrote, "It feels like a movie made for Tumblr posts." Keith Garlington from Keith & the Movies added, "Fennell’s new spin on Wuthering Heights is more in love with itself than with anything Emily Brontë put to page in her highly regarded 1847 novel. Sadly, it results in a surprisingly hollow and frustratingly scattershot exercise in overindulgence."

Ultimately, the majority of the reviews portray the movie as being mediocre. For example, Hannah Lodge from Screen Rex noted, "Fennell’s bold reimagining of the source material might have worked with more cohesive character development, but as it stands, this adaptation is best appreciated as a visual feast rather than an emotionally satisfying story."

Film Feeder's Jack Martin echoed that sentiment. "Wuthering Heights can’t help but feel as though something is missing amidst the undeniable handsomeness of the production, something which gives it a soul beneath the gorgeous exterior."

Despite mixed reviews from critics, Wuthering Heights' success makes sense based on the responses from regular viewers. On Rotten Tomatoes, the audience score stands at 85%, which is more than 20 points higher than the critics' score.

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Merrell Just Launched a Massive Winter Sale With Tons of Footwear Over 60% Off—These Are the 4 Best Pairs

Men’s Journal aims to feature only the best products and services.  If you buy something via one of our links, we may earn a commission.

Merrell Moab 3 Hiking Shoes, From $60 (was $145)

Merrell Coldpack 3 Thermo Mid Waterproof Winter Boots, $80 (was $185)

Merrell Nova 4 Trail Running Shoes, $63 (was $140)

Merrell Jungle Moc Slip-Ons, $47 (was $110)

Merrell’s massive Mid-Winter sale is now live, offering its shoppers huge savings on nearly 400 styles in its vaunted outdoor footwear lineup. The sale, which runs through Feb. 28, is especially enticing because you can take an extra 40% off on-sale styles by using the code EXTRA40 when you check out.

Though you still have weeks to shop, there’s a good chance that stock will sell out well before then, especially on bestsellers like the Moab 3 hiking shoe, which starts at only $60 with the double discount, and even the Coldpack 3 snow boots. And it’s not just the big boys that received good price cuts—you can find lesser-known models, like these Remat business casual dress shoes, which pack Merrell comfort into something more office-appropriate. Whether you're looking to hit the trail or just clean the snow off your property, these are the four best picks during Merrell's Mid-Winter sale that we’re personally looking to get.

Merrell Moab 3 Hiking Shoes, From $60 (was $145) at Merrell

Courtesy of Merrell

Part of the brand’s legendary Moab lineup (proclaimed as the No. 1 model in the world), the Moab 3 hiking shoe is a more low-cut, versatile option than its taller-shafted hiking boot sibling. These all-purpose, all-terrain hiking shoes are made for extremely rugged trails with heavy debris and obstacles, and when you rock these, no object will get in your way.

Also Check Out: Merrell SpeedArc Matis Gore-Tex Hiking Shoes, $90 (was $210)

Merrell Coldpack 3 Thermo Mid Waterproof Winter Boots, $80 (was $185) at Merrell

Courtesy of Merrell

These Coldpack winter boots take a traditional snow boot and infuse it with the brand’s purpose-built functionality, delivering exceptional traction and fool-proof warmth. With 200g of Primaloft insulation, they offer enough protection for winter hikes outdoors or hours of shoveling. Many say it's just enough to keep you warm and not too much to make your feet overheat and sweat. 

Also Check Out: Merrell Thermo Snow Grip Mid Waterproof Winter Boots, $73 (was $180)

Merrell Nova 4 Trail Running Shoes, $63 (was $140) at Merrell

Courtesy of Merrell

One of our favorite pairs from Merrell lately, the Nova 4s are a trail running shoe that’s designed to go beyond the beaten path. A bestseller, these offer a clean and simple look that can be worn around town running errands, just as well as they can take on technical trails, too. They’re super comfy, and at just under 10 ounces, they’re relatively light, so if you wear them all day, fatigue is greatly reduced.

Also Check Out: Merrell Vapor Glove 6 Trail Running Shoes, $47 (was $110)

Merrell Jungle Moc Slip-Ons, $47 (was $110) at Merrell

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If you’re only popping outside for a short stint to get the mail, running errands, or letting the dog go to the bathroom, then a hardy pair of slip-ons is the way to go; the iconic Jungle Mocs fit the bill perfectly. They have pig suede uppers, Merrell’s Air Cushion heels, and sticky rubber heels that provide excellent grip in all weather conditions—even snow and icy conditions.

Also Check Out: Merrell Silvo Moc Slip-Ons, $45 (was $140)

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