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Driving from Santa Monica to San Marcos on 12/24‑25 is not safe due to heavy rain, strong winds, and flood‑related travel hazards from the incoming storm.
- Heavy rain expected (up to 8 inches) across Southern California.
- Wind gusts may reach 50 mph, prompting a High Wind Watch.
- Flood advisories and “hazardous travel” warnings are in effect.
- No substantive disagreements were found among the AI responses.
Overview
A powerful atmospheric‑river storm is set to impact Southern California during the Christmas holiday. Forecasts indicate the storm’s peak will strike Christmas Eve (12/24) and Christmas Day (12/25), bringing heavy rain, strong winds, and a heightened risk of flooding. All major outlets and weather agencies have issued high‑wind watches and flood advisories for the region 123410.
Storm Timeline & Expected Conditions
| Date | Expected Weather | Key Impacts |
|---|---|---|
| 12/24 (Christmas Eve) | Heavy rain (up to 8 in), wind gusts up to 50 mph | Rapidly rising water levels, reduced visibility, slippery roads |
| 12/25 (Christmas Day) | Continued rain and wind, lingering flood risk | Potential road closures, standing water on highways |
- Rainfall: Models project up to 8 inches of rain in the worst‑affected zones 10.
- Wind: Gusts of 50 mph are expected, enough to knock down trees and debris 26.
- Flooding: Several low‑lying sections of the I‑5 corridor (the main route between Santa Monica and San Marcos) are prone to flash flooding under these conditions 87.
Travel Advisories
- High‑Wind Watch and Flood Advisory in effect for Los Angeles, Orange, and San Diego counties 10.
- State and local agencies label travel on major highways as “hazardous” and urge motorists to avoid non‑essential trips 238.
- CalFire and local emergency services recommend slow speeds, extra stopping distance, and avoidance of flooded roadways 8.
Safety Recommendation
Given the forecasted conditions and official warnings:
- Do not travel from Santa Monica to San Marcos on 12/24 or 12/25 unless absolutely necessary.
- If travel cannot be avoided:
- Monitor real‑time traffic and weather updates (CalTrans, NWS, local news).
- Plan for significant delays and have alternative routes ready.
- Carry emergency supplies (water, blankets, a charged phone, and a car charger).
- Be prepared for road closures and possible detours.
Staying Informed
- NWS alerts: https://www.weather.gov/
- CalTrans traffic maps: https://dot.ca.gov/
- Local news stations (KTLA, Fox LA, ABC7) for hourly updates.
Bottom line: The combination of heavy rain, strong winds, and flood risk makes the drive unsafe during the storm period. Postpone travel if possible, or closely follow official updates if travel is unavoidable.