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Driving from Santa Monica to Union Station and taking the train to Oceanside on 12/24‑12/25 is unsafe due to extreme flood, landslide, and road‑closure risks from the atmospheric‑river storm.
- Driving during the storm is unsafe due to flood and landslide threats.
- Road closures and evacuation warnings are expected on major routes.
- Train service may be disrupted or delayed because of the same weather hazards.
Overview
A powerful atmospheric‑river system is expected to hit Southern California on December 24‑25, bringing record‑breaking rainfall, flash‑flooding, and strong winds. State and local agencies have issued high‑risk flood and landslide alerts, and officials warn of extreme holiday‑season driving conditions.
Driving from Santa Monica to Union Station
- Flood & landslide danger – The storm is forecast as a “high‑risk” flood event, with urban flooding and debris flows reported across the region 38.
- Road closures and evacuations – Multiple highways and arterial streets have been placed on evacuation warning lists; closures are already in effect on portions of I‑10, US‑101, and surface streets 58.
- Travel time inflation – Reports from previous storms indicate travel times can double or triple, with some routes taking 10‑12 hours to traverse 4.
- Safety recommendation – Given these hazards, authorities advise postponing non‑essential trips and avoiding the corridor altogether.
Train (Metrolink/Amtrak) to Oceanside
- Indirect impact – While rail tracks are less exposed than highways, heavy rain and landslides can damage rail infrastructure, cause washouts, or force service suspensions 25.
- No specific service notice – The sources do not confirm a scheduled shutdown, but the same conditions that prompt road evacuations typically lead to delays or cancellations for commuter and intercity trains.
- Precaution – Check real‑time Metrolink/Amtrak status alerts on the day of travel, and be prepared for possible schedule changes.
Recommendations
- Monitor official channels – Caltrans traffic cams, the National Weather Service, and rail service alerts.
- Consider alternative plans – Stay in Los Angeles for the holiday or use remote work/virtual meetings if possible.
- If travel is unavoidable – Carry a fully‑charged phone, emergency supplies, and a backup route; inform someone of your itinerary.
- Post‑storm re‑evaluation – Re‑assess conditions on the morning of 12/25 before attempting the return leg.
Bottom line: The combination of high flood risk, potential road closures, and likely rail disruptions makes the proposed drive and train trip unsafe during the atmospheric‑river event. Postpone or cancel the travel if at all possible.