Rose Parade Faces Rain After Nearly 20 Years

PASADENA, Calif. -- The iconic Rose Parade, a New Year's Day tradition in Southern California, faces the possibility of rain for the first time in nearly two decades, with forecasters predicting a 90 percent chance of precipitation during the event on Thursday in Pasadena.

The 137th edition of the parade, which draws thousands of spectators along its nearly six-mile route and millions more via television broadcast, precedes the Rose Bowl college football playoff game. Recent storms have already brought flooding, mudslides and other disruptions to the region during Christmas week, and the National Weather Service anticipates more wet weather. Meteorologist Mike Wofford said rain could arrive between sunset on New Year's Eve and Thursday morning, with the heaviest amounts likely falling on New Year's Day and Saturday. Valley and coastal areas may see 1 to 3 inches, while mountains could receive 3 to 5 inches, amounts less severe than the prior atmospheric river events but still capable of causing flooding given the saturated soils and swollen waterways.

Organizers with the Pasadena Tournament of Roses emphasize that the weather is unlikely to halt the procession of floats,...