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WET CHRISTMAS

Millions along East and West coasts threatened by heavy rainfall over Christmas, forecasters warn of floods, landslides

Wet Christmas for many on the coasts

SANTA may want to trade in his sleigh for a raft.

The U.S. is likely to see more rain than reindeer this Christmas as the East and West coasts are hit with damp forecasts for the holidays.

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Out west, the arrival of the “Pineapple Express” led to rainfall records being shattered and landslide threats this weekend.

Meanwhile, the National Weather Service urged drivers to avoid flooded areas.

The wet wintry weather kicked off Thursday, and, by Sunday, Seattle had already set several local records.

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Driver in flood waters
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A driver drove past road closed signs in Bellevue, Wash. into an area covered in four feet of water.Credit: AP:Associated Press

Friday alone was the wettest day in Seattle in the past 10 years and the fifth wettest on record, according to NWS Seattle. 

It also featured the most rain in the area on Dec. 20 since 1945, when records started being kept at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport.

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That same day saw the lowest amount of measured sunlight in the city in 20 years.

In one Oregon city, a 113-year-old record was shattered when Astoria recorded 3.42 inches of rain Friday.

The “Pineapple Express” is the unofficial name for a particular “atmospheric river,” according to .

The jet stream transports moisture all the way from Hawaii to the West Coast of the U.S.

Storms were likely to materialize in the southeast today and tomorrow, forecasters said, potentially throwing a wrench into Christmas travel plans.

Georgia was likely to face floods in Atlanta and South Carolina was expected to be hit with flash floods.

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