Wet Christmas a Possibility for Southland

For the first time in more than a decade, Orange County residents may have a rainy Christmas.

Forecasters said there is a 20% to 30% chance of showers starting Christmas Eve and continuing through Christmas afternoon. The last time it rained on Christmas in Southern California was 1983, said Curtis Brack, a meteorologist with WeatherData, which provides forecasts for The Times.

“There’s a storm pushing in from Alaska, but it’s not terribly strong,” Brack said. “By the time storms get here from Alaska, they usually don’t have too much of a cold push.”

In Orange County, temperatures throughout the holiday weekend will range from the mid-40s to the mid-70s, Brack said.

Forecasters said that Santa Barbara and Ventura counties are expected to be hit by the first wave of the storm Saturday morning. In Los Angeles, the chance of rain over the weekend was put at 30% to 40%.

In an average year, there is a one in four chance of rain on Christmas Day, Brack said. Another storm on the horizon is expected to arrive Tuesday, he said.

Holiday travelers should allow extra time because of the rain, especially if they are flying. This year, more than 300,000 people are expected to fly into or out of John Wayne Airport, an increase of 20,000 over last year, airport spokeswoman Pat Ware said.

Brack advised people over the holiday weekend to “drive safely and watch out for drunk drivers on wet roads.”

The California Highway Patrol will increase its staffing over the weekend to assist drivers and arrest those under the influence of alcohol.

CHP spokesman Glen Dominguez said that anyone driving in the rain should reduce speed and allow for extra space between cars. In anticipation of a storm, he said, motorists should perform basic maintenance checks--such as inspecting tire treads and windshield wipers.