This time, ugly Christmas sweaters will serve a real purpose, jokes aside, as everything points to cold temperatures and rain in SoCal on the day Santa Claus stops by to leave gifts under the tree, and even snow in other parts of the state.
That’s according to the latest forecast from the NWS. Similarly, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Climate Prediction Center warned of a high risk of heavy rainfall along the entire California coast from Dec. 23 through Christmas Day. Heavy snow is also likely across the Sierra Nevada.
Los Angeles, Ventura, Santa Barbara, and San Luis Obispo counties are expected to see “high amounts of rain”, 2 to 4 inches along the coast and in the valleys, and 4 to 8 inches in the mountains and foothills. There’s a 40% probability that this much rain will fall over the four-day period.
The Climate Prediction Center cautioned that mountain passes could experience flooding, landslides, and hazardous travel conditions. Areas recently affected by wildfires are particularly at risk of fast-moving mud and debris flows. Officials also warned that strong winds combined with heavy rain or snow could lead to power outages.