Intense downpours that could trigger dangerous flood threats in California are putting a damper on Christmas Eve travel plans, while the New England area braces for heavy snow.
More than 40 million people were under flood alerts Wednesday morning, including most of California, as well as parts of Nevada and a small portion of western Arizona. As much as 1 to 1.5 inches of rain per hour is expected, increasing the risk for debris flows, mudslides and flash flooding over the Palisades and Eaton fire burn scars.
A flash flood warning is in effect for Santa Barbara.
Overnight, the heavy rain will taper off, but another round will roll through Thursday. It is expected to have a higher risk for strong to severe thunderstorms and isolated tornadoes.
Travelers will see much calmer weather in other parts of the country. Sunny skies are expected in the Southeast, record warmth is sweeping across the middle of the country, and the Midwest to the mid-Atlantic and Northeast will see dry skies.
On Christmas Day, flooding and strong thunderstorms continue in California. A quick-moving storm will hit the Northeast on Friday, leading to accumulating snow.
In Baltimore, Philadelphia and Washington, D.C., there will be a mix of snow, rain and ice.
