Rain Service Through OC Resumes After Rough Surf Threatens Tracks

SAN CLEMENTE, CA — Orange County transportation officials resumed train services Monday running through South Orange County after reporting damage on the tracks caused by tropical Hurricane Marie.

"Following continued monitoring and successful stabilization work throughout the weekend, Metrolink and Amtrak Pacific Surfliner safely resumed passengers service through San Clemente on Monday, Sept. 14," transportation officials said.

According to the Orange County Transportation Authority, crews will continue to closely monitor the rail line as elevated ocean swell and high tides are expected in the coming days.

The resumed service comes after transportation officials shut down rail service in San Clemente due to powerful tides last week.

"Continued high tides and powerful wave activity along the San Clemente coastline have prompted the temporary closure of the coastal rail line after additional erosion and slope damage were observed near the tracks Monday night," an Orange County Transportation Authority statement said.

Powerful waves crashed against the tracks in the affected area and caused further deterioration along the adjacent slope, including damage to some previously place protective rock, transportation officials said.

The rail line was closed Tuesday, Sept. 8 so crews could safely assess conditions and perform emergency stabilization.

Severe high tides were expected in Orange County until at least Thursday, according to the National Weather Service.

The closure impacted Metrolink, Amtrak Pacific Surfliner and freight rail operations through the area.