Metrolink suspends Orange County rail service due to high tides

Metrolink has temporarily suspended rail service between Laguna Niguel/Mission Viejo and Oceanside from Monday, August 10, through Friday, August 14, due to forecasted high tides and strong surf. During this period, trains on the Orange County Line will only operate between Los Angeles and the Laguna Niguel station.

The decision follows significant disruptions in late July, where powerful swells caused track erosion and damaged communications systems south of the San Clemente Pier. To mitigate risks, maintenance crews have been deploying riprap—large rocks—to stabilize the tracks and prevent further erosion under the rail line.

While Metrolink officials stated the suspension aims to minimize delays and uncertainty, some local advocates have raised concerns regarding the environmental impact. Chris Mauro of ‘Bring Back Our Beaches’ suggested that the placement of large rocks for track protection may interfere with natural sand accumulation, potentially contributing to ongoing coastal erosion in Southern California.