On the afternoon of February 18, 2026, Quito experienced an unexpected bout of severe weather, characterized by heavy rain, thunderstorms, and hail. The downpour caught residents off guard, leading to challenging conditions throughout the city. While significant amounts of water flowed through numerous streets, local authorities reported no cases of flooding, indicating that the drainage systems were handling the influx effectively.

Despite the absence of flooding, the storm created considerable disruptions in vehicle circulation due to low visibility from dense fog covering various roads. The Quito Fire Department remained vigilant, prepared to respond to any citizen alerts that might arise from the severe weather conditions. Residents were cautioned to park vehicles safely, switch off engines, and avoid touching metal parts of cars due to electrical hazards posed by the lightning and storm activity.

Additionally, the ECU 911 emergency service emphasized the importance of driving cautiously, particularly on high-risk roads, to prevent accidents during the storm. The extreme weather event highlights the need for preparedness among residents during unexpected conditions, and the authorities' proactive warnings aimed to protect public safety during this turbulent day in the Andean city.