Weather Alert Starts Tonight for Super SoCal Soaker this Christmas Eve

After a few quick passing showers earlier this afternoon… we're looking at more active weather beginning tonight and overnight. Most spots around the valley saw about/or less than 0.10" from our initial push.

A First Alert Weather Alert will be in effect starting at 10pm tonight as a strong atmospheric river moves into the Coachella Valley. Rain will increase late this evening and overnight, becoming widespread and occasionally heavy on Christmas Eve. Our prime time for this storm--or at least most impactful rain--is expected between late morning through the afternoon tomorrow.

Rainfall totals of around 0.50-1.50" are possible in the valley, with much higher amounts in our mountain areas, especially the San Bernadino County mountains. Because of this -- we'll see an increased risk for road flooding which will likely lead to difficult holiday driving conditions.

Gusty winds are also a factor with this storm--a number of Wind Advisories and High Wind Warnings are in place across Southern California. Our strongest winds areas however will be primarily along the coast, inland valleys, San Bernadino Mountains and High Desert. Southerly winds 25-40 mph are possible, localized up to 60-75 in isolated areas like Big Bear and Lake Arrowhead. Saturated ground from rain and strong winds could lead to falling tree limbs and potential power outages.

Showers continue into Christmas Day, but becoming more scattered, with brief breaks. Snow levels in this storm are going to remain pretty high through Christmas but will begin lower to about 6,000-7,000 for mountain travelers Thursday & Friday.

Drier weather is expected by the weekend, though there are some forecast models showing another opportunity for rain could return just in time for New Years.