Rain Returns After 6-Month Holiday

The first measurable rain in more than six months fell on Southern California Tuesday, providing much-needed moisture for tinder-dry brush lands but creating unwelcome traffic snarls on slippery freeways and streets.

The long dry spell allowed oily films to build up on pavement, and the gentle rains created slippery surfaces that posed problems for drivers unused to inclement weather.

“For some reason, they keep on driving as though it was dry,” said California Highway Patrol Officer Wendy Moore.

A tractor-trailer skidded and overturned on a freeway transition road in Boyle Heights during an afternoon squall, dumping a load of canned beer. The mess tied up evening commuter traffic for hours on the Golden State and San Bernardino freeways.

By nightfall, the rain had tapered off in many areas, and the CHP said that although most traffic was slow, it was moving.

Only trace amounts of rain fell in Orange County on Tuesday, with .01-inch reported in Fullerton and even less at Santa Ana’s John Wayne Airport. There were no reports of major weather-related traffic accidents or disruptions, said Officer Mark Reeves, a spokesman for the CHP.

The light showers were expected to disappear by morning, according to Joe Beguhl, a meteorologist with Weather Central Inc., which provides forecasts for The Times. Today, early cloudy skies are expected to give way to partly cloudy skies in the afternoon, with temperatures ranging from 65 to 75 degrees, he said.

With the arrival of the rain, Los Angeles County health officials warned swimmers, surfers and beachgoers to stay out of the ocean because of the threat of high bacteria levels.

Runoff, especially if contaminated with sewage, can cause diarrhea, ear infections and skin rashes.

Showers should be over by this morning and the weather should be dry for trick-or-treaters tonight, in time for the first full moon on Halloween since 1955.

Times staff writer David Haldane contributed to this report.