SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA – Holiday travelers may face complications this Christmas week as atmospheric river storms sweep across the West Coast, the National Weather Service (NWS) said.
Forecasters predict heavy rainfall along much of California’s coastline on Christmas Day, raising the risk of flooding, landslides, and hazardous driving conditions, particularly in mountain areas.
NBC 7 San Diego meteorologist Angelica Campos noted that the wet weather could begin as early as Tuesday, Dec. 23, with San Diego County seeing a 40–60% chance of heavy precipitation on Christmas Day and the following day. Areas farther north are expected to experience even heavier rainfall and potential flooding.
The timing and intensity of the storms remain subject to change as they approach the West Coast, but drivers and travelers are being urged to stay alert. The California Highway Patrol (CHP) advised motorists to use headlights, slow down, and avoid flooded roads, noting that calls to the agency typically double during rainy conditions. Officer Salvador Castro emphasized, “We tell people that when it’s raining, 65 is not the ideal speed for driving in the rain. Sixty-five [mph] is for a perfect San Diego day, which is 95% of the time.”
Travel demand is already high this holiday season. San Diego International Airport expects over 1.4 million passengers between Dec. 19 and Jan. 18, with the busiest days projected for Dec. 23, 28, and Jan. 4. AAA of Southern California anticipates a record 8.9 million people will drive at least 50 miles from home, a 2.7% increase over 2024.
Motorists and travelers are advised to monitor forecasts closely and allow extra time for trips as the storms move through the region.
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