California storms not canceling Christmas vacation. Holiday travel could set records

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A daunting rainfall forecast isn’t expected to stop Californians or the rest of the U.S.from traveling in record numbers over the end-of-year holiday season.

An estimated 122.4 million people — more than a third of the entire national population — will travel at least 50 miles from home between Dec.20 and Jan.

1, according to the American Automobile Assn.That would represent a 2.2% increase over last year, when a record 119.7 million travelers hit the road or took to the skies for the holidays.

“Year-end travel is a mix of family road trips, friend getaways and tropical vacations,” Stacey Barber, vice president of AAA Travel, said in a statement.Travel & Experiences Although Los Angeles County doesn’t experience a Hallmark-esque winter wonderland, you can still find the holiday spirit in natural places in and around our mountains and desert.

Here’s how.Holiday festivities are different for everyone, but “a common thread is the desire to travel, whether it’s returning to your hometown or exploring new destinations,” Barber said.As always, though, winter weather could pour cold water on some of those festive getaways.

A Pacific storm is forecast to bring heavy rain to Southern California over the Christmas holiday — potentially snarling travel and increasing the risk of flooding, said Adam Roser, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service’s San Diego office.“The storm will move through the region from north to south, starting as early as Tuesday,” Roser said.

Roser said he is confident there will be slick roadways and possible aviation disruptions because of heavy rains.California A powerful Pineapple Express storm could end up delivering a wet, white and potentially wild Christmas to California, with the possibility of snow in the Sierra and plenty of rainfall across the Southland.The peak of the storm for Southern California is lik...