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California commuters faced a challenging Tuesday as heavy rains continued to batter the state, leading to widespread road closures and triggering flash flood warnings across Southern California. Among the most significant disruptions is the renewed closure of Highway 1 through Big Sur, a stretch that had only recently reopened after three years of repairs following extensive landslide damage. The latest closures underscore the vulnerability of California’s infrastructure to extreme weather events and the ongoing challenges of maintaining access along its iconic coastline.

The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) closed a section of Highway 1 on Monday due to multiple rockslides and debris flows, impacting travel along the central coast. This closure comes just weeks after Governor Gavin Newsom celebrated the reopening of the highway near Carmel and Cambria on January 14, 2026, a reopening that was nearly 90 days ahead of the original March 30th schedule. The quick return to closure highlights the precarious conditions still present in the region. Further south, Topanga Canyon Road in Los Angeles County remains shut down after crews responded to at least eight debris flows, according to Caltrans District 7.

A flood watch remains in effect for much of southwest California, including Los Angeles, Ventura, San Luis Obispo, and Santa Barbara counties. The National Weather Service warns of the risk of flash flooding, rock and mudslides, and debris flows, particularly in burn-scar areas. A winter storm warning is also in effect for the mountains, including the Grapevine along Interstate 5 and the Highway 14 corridor, where up to 4 inches of snow are possible, with higher elevations potentially receiving between 4 and 12 inches.

Highway 1 Closures and Recent Repairs

The closure of Highway 1 is particularly impactful, given the recent efforts to restore access to Big Sur. The January reopening followed extensive repairs to the Regent’s Slide area, which had been damaged by a landslide. The repairs involved remotely controlled heavy equipment, stabilizing slopes with thousands of steel reinforcements drilled up to 60 feet deep, and cutting-edge monitoring systems, according to Governor Newsom’s office. The latest rockslides demonstrate the ongoing geological challenges in the area.

The current Highway 1 closure extends from Ragged Point Inn to one mile south of Deetjen’s Big Sur Inn in Monterey County, according to KEYT News. Caltrans crews are expected to reassess the situation at daylight on Tuesday, but no estimated time for reopening has been provided.

Rainfall Totals and Flood Risks

As of 5 a.m. Tuesday, most of Southern California had received more than an inch of rain, with some areas exceeding 3 inches. Rocky Butte, a peak in San Luis Obispo County, recorded the highest rainfall with 3.94 inches, followed by Stunt Ranch in Calabasas and Topanga Fire Station with 3.2 inches each. Downtown Los Angeles saw 1.97 inches of rain, while Long Beach received 1.74 inches, Canoga Park 2.16 inches, Alhambra 2.24 inches, and Ojai 1.52 inches.

Meteorologist Mike Wofford of the National Weather Service described the forecast as a “particularly soggy, wet period” for much of the week, predicting potential rainfall totals of up to 4 inches in coastal and valley areas and 8 inches in the mountains, and foothills.

🚩 TOPANGA CANYON BOULEVARD 🚩Topanga Canyon Blvd (State Route 27) closed in both directions from PCH to Grand View Dr until further notice due to storms. Multiple locations within the closure have mud & debris slides.👇@CaltransDist7 Maintenance & GeoTech teams on scene. pic.twitter.com/nOI3pFsM4

— Caltrans District 7 (@CaltransDist7) February 16, 2026

The ongoing storms are a reminder of California’s susceptibility to extreme weather and the importance of preparedness. Residents and travelers are urged to stay informed about road conditions and heed warnings from local authorities. The situation remains fluid, and further closures or disruptions are possible as the week progresses.

Looking ahead, Caltrans crews will continue to monitor conditions and work to clear debris from roadways as soon as it is safe to do so. The duration of the closures will depend on the severity of the ongoing rainfall and the extent of any further damage. Travelers should check the California Department of Transportation’s Quickmap for the latest road conditions before venturing out.

What are your experiences with the storm? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and please share this article with anyone who may be affected by the road closures and flood warnings.

Istanbul will host a crucial first leg of the Champions League playoff as Juventus travels to face Galatasaray on Tuesday, February 17th. The match, set to kick off at 18:45 local time, pits the Italian side against a formidable Turkish opponent boasting familiar faces in Mauro Icardi and Victor Osimhen. The tie represents a significant hurdle for Juventus as they aim to secure a spot in the Champions League Round of 16.

Juventus enters the match carrying the weight of recent controversy following their Serie A clash with Inter Milan. The fallout from that match, including the expulsion of a player and disputes involving team personnel with match officials, continues to be a talking point. Manager Luciano Spalletti will be focused on isolating the team from external distractions and refocusing their efforts on the Champions League campaign. Despite a recent loss that temporarily dropped them from a Champions League qualifying position in Serie A, Juventus remains firmly in the hunt, and a positive result in Istanbul is vital. The team secured 13 points during the qualification phase, finishing with a strong run of five positive results – two draws and three wins – to reach the playoff stage.

Key Matchups and Tactical Considerations

A significant aspect of this matchup lies in Juventus’s confrontation with former Serie A rivals Icardi and Osimhen. Spalletti previously had a fractured relationship with Icardi during his time managing Inter Milan, adding an extra layer of intrigue to the contest. Both strikers pose a considerable threat, particularly given Juventus’s recent defensive vulnerabilities, having conceded three goals in both their Coppa Italia quarterfinal against Atalanta and their Serie A match against Inter. Galatasaray currently leads the Turkish Süper Lig with 55 points, closely followed by Fenerbahçe with 52, demonstrating their strong domestic form and momentum heading into this European clash.

Betting markets reflect the closely contested nature of the tie. Odds suggest a tight encounter, with the ‘Goal’ market – both teams to score – available at around 1.70 on several platforms including Admiralbet, Netbet, and Starcasinò, and 1.68 on Betflag. Sisal is offering enhanced odds of 8.00 on both teams to score for new customers, up from a typical rate of 1.14. A draw at halftime is as well considered a likely outcome, with odds ranging from 2.15 on Eurobet to 2.20 on Bet365 and Netwin.

Galatasaray’s Strong Form and Juventus’s Challenges

Galatasaray has demonstrated impressive form, winning four consecutive matches since qualifying for the playoff round, including a 5-1 victory over Eyüpspor. Their commanding position at the top of the Turkish league underscores their attacking prowess and confidence. Juventus, meanwhile, will need to overcome recent defensive struggles and the lingering effects of the controversy surrounding their match against Inter. The team conceded three goals in both their recent matches against Atalanta and Inter, raising concerns about their ability to contain Galatasaray’s potent attack.

Spalletti faces crucial decisions regarding his team selection and tactical approach. Successfully navigating this first leg will be paramount to securing a favorable result and setting the stage for the return fixture. The potential for a draw at halftime, with odds ranging from 2.15 to 2.20, highlights the anticipated tactical caution from both sides. For further analysis and predictions, Gazzetta Scommesse provides detailed statistics and exclusive insights.

The outcome of this first leg will significantly impact both teams’ chances of progressing to the Champions League Round of 16, where they could face either Tottenham or Liverpool. The match promises to be a captivating encounter, filled with tactical intrigue and individual battles.

Looking ahead, the return leg in Turin will be decisive. Juventus will need to capitalize on any advantage gained in Istanbul and deliver a strong performance at home to secure their place in the competition’s knockout stages. The focus will remain on Spalletti’s ability to galvanize his squad and translate their potential into tangible results.

What are your predictions for the Galatasaray-Juventus matchup? Share your thoughts in the comments below and join the discussion!