# Metrolink coastal rail service disruptions

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/metrolink-coastal-rail-service-disruptions
> Updated: 2026-09-06T20:43:11.000Z. Sources: 19. Developments: 2.

Metrolink rail service in Orange County and San Diego County has faced repeated disruptions due to coastal erosion and weather-related damage. In mid-August, service between Laguna Niguel/Mission Viejo and Oceanside was suspended through August 14 due to forecasted high tides and strong surf. This followed previous track erosion and communication system damage caused by swells in late July. To stabilize the tracks, maintenance crews have been deploying riprap, or large rocks, to prevent further erosion.

In early September, Tropical Storm Marie generated powerful swells and heavy rainfall that caused significant infrastructure damage across the Southern California coast. In San Clemente, the coastal rail corridor used by Metrolink and Amtrak’s Pacific Surfliner has been suspended between Laguna Niguel/Mission Viejo and Oceanside. Emergency crews are working to stabilize the tracks using riprap, while Amtrak utilizes buses to transport passengers.

Beyond the rail corridor, the storm caused widespread flooding and property damage. In Long Beach, intense waves breached seawalls and sand berms on the Long Beach Peninsula, prompting the mandatory evacuation of approximately 20 homes due to concerns over structural integrity and a 15-foot erosion drop from the boardwalk. In Malibu, heavy swells caused a driveway collapse and a natural gas line rupture, resulting in five residences being red-tagged. In Dana Point, at least 14 homes were damaged, with approximately 12 being red-tagged as uninhabitable. While Marie has transitioned into a post-tropical cyclone, authorities warn that dangerous surf and rip currents will persist, and NOAA predicts a 50% to 60% chance of above-average rainfall through mid-September.

## Claims

- A mandatory evacuation order was issued for approximately 20 homes between 63rd Place and 67th Place on the Long Beach Peninsula. (corroborated by 5 sources)
- Metrolink suspended rail service between Laguna Niguel/Mission Viejo and Oceanside due to high tides and coastal conditions. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Crews used large boulders, known as riprap, to stabilize the rail tracks in San Clemente. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- County lifeguards projected more than 1,000 water rescues over the weekend, doubling the typical daily average of 500. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- The Long Beach health authority recommended avoiding contact with ocean water due to runoff risks. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- The National Weather Service described weather conditions as ‘potentially deadly’. (single source)
- Hurricane Marie reached Category 2 strength with sustained winds near 100 mph before weakening. (single source)
- Seal Beach implemented temporary closures of beachfront parking lots to protect vehicles and residents. (single source)
- At least 14 homes along Beach Road in Capistrano Beach were damaged. (single source)
- Approximately 12 of the damaged homes have been red-tagged as uninhabitable. (single source)
- NOAA predicts a 50% to 60% chance of above-average rainfall in Southern California and southwestern Arizona from September 9 to 15. (single source)
- Erosion caused a 15-foot drop from the Long Beach Peninsula boardwalk to the exposed rocks below at low tide. (single source)

## Timeline

### 2026-09-06: Southern California coast battered by Tropical Storm Marie swells

Tropical Storm Marie's swells have caused severe coastal erosion, flooding, and home damage in Southern California, forcing evacuations in Long Beach and red-tagging residences in Dana Point and Malibu.

19 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/san-clemente-rail-line-closed-for-emergency-repairs-after-storm-damage

### 2026-08-11: Metrolink suspends Orange County rail service due to high tides

Metrolink has suspended service between Laguna Niguel and Oceanside through August 14 due to forecasted high tides and coastal erosion risks in Orange County.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/metrolink-suspends-orange-county-rail-service-due-to-high-tides

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Cite as: Metrolink coastal rail service disruptions. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/metrolink-coastal-rail-service-disruptions