Trains serving a swath of Southern California will be temporarily suspended because forecasted high tides threatenthe coastline.
Metrolink’s Orange County Line will halt its service from Laguna Niguel/Mission Viejo and Oceanside stations starting Monday, Oct. 26. That means that its typical route spanning from Los Angeles Union Station to Oceanside will now operate between Union Station and the Laguna Niguel/Mission Viejo station, cutting off travelers looking to head into San Diego County.
Metrolink said it won’t provide alternate bus transportation.
The temporary change is in effect through Friday, Oct. 30. Metrolink said it’s to “minimize the potential for widespread delays and cancellations if coastal conditions disrupt rail operations.” It
also means the regional rail service can maintain a more predictable schedule systemwide for customers, Metrolink said.
Footage Metrolink shared from a recent high-tide event shows surf splashing onto the tracks. Metrolink has previously suspended service on this stretch of the Orange County Line due to high tides.
Amtrak Pacific Surfliner faces delays from San Clemente to Oceanside
Meanwhile, Amtrak’s Pacific Surfliner trains between the San Clemente Pier and Oceanside may experience about 30-minute delays through Tuesday, Oct. 27, due to signal issues and weather conditions, according to Amtrak. The Pacific Surfliner begins in San Diego County, runs through Orange County, and continues farther north to San Luis Obispo County.
Travelers are encouraged to check their train status on Amtrak’s website. You can also see its route, including where it stops, on Amtrak’s website.
High tides to pummel SoCal again
Significant flooding is expected in coastal areas of San Diego and Orange counties the last week of October, with a flood warning in effect from early Sunday morning, Oct. 25, through Thursday afternoon, Oct. 29, according to the National Weather Service San Diego.
Any low-lying property will be inundated, and some shoreline erosion is expected in the mornings, according to the NWS San Diego. Tides may reach as high as 7.5 feet or more.
Paris Barraza is a reporter covering Los Angeles and Southern California for the USA TODAY Network. Reach her at pbarraza@usatodayco.com.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: High tides to disrupt SoCal travel. Metrolink, Amtrak schedule updates
