Five Things You Need to Know Today, Dec. 19

1. Today's weather: The National Weather Service is calling for a chance of rain and snow showers before 10 a.m., then a slight chance of rain showers between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Cloudy, with a high near 42. On Wednesday night, there will be partly cloudy, with a low around 28. North wind 3 to 8 mph. Winds could gust as high as 26 mph.

2. Police Commission meeting: The Portsmouth Police Commission will meet at the Police Department at 5 p.m. The agenda can be viewed on the city's web site.

3. Free holiday parking: The city continues to offer free downtown parking from now until Jan. 2 for the holiday season, which means city residents and visitors who want to do some shopping, go out to eat or take in a show can park at metered spaces for their allotted time period. Drivers will be fined if they leave their vehicles in metered spaces longer than the allowed time period. 

4. Send your prayers to Newtown, Conn.: If you would like to , Conn., following Friday's shooting tragedy, use this Patch feature.

5. Santa now accepting letters: This the last day that kids can mail their letters to Santa and want a response According to city officials, the letters should be sent to: Santa Claus at the North Pole, 155 Parrott Ave., Portsmouth, NH, 03801. Make sure the letter includes a full name and return address clearly printed so Santa can write back!