Train services through San Clemente have fully resumed this week after high surf from the outskirts of Hurricane Marie caused track damage over Labor Day Weekend. According to a news release by the OC Transportation Authority, Pacific Surfliner service returned to its normal path on Monday. Metrolink services also resumed on Monday, after an initial expectation for closure until Tuesday due to concerns of “wave-related impacts to the signal system” causing delays, as stated in an earlier news release.
A specific portion of the rail line, extending from the Laguna Niguel/Mission Viejo station into San Diego County's Oceanside station, was closed on September 6. Crews worked through Sunday to repair the damaged segment. Last week, the train was unable to operate between Irvine and Oceanside, necessitating bus connections for passengers traveling between the two stops. The full restoration of services follows the rail line's indefinite closure early last week, despite a previously anticipated reopening on Friday.
The high tides brought by Hurricane Marie, which battered the Orange County coastline over Labor Day weekend without making landfall, resulted in broader damage beyond the rail lines. Coastal communities experienced seawall damage, the closure of beaches, and multiple homes being “red-tagged,” indicating they were unsafe to inhabit.
In response to the storm's impact, both Laguna Beach and Dana Point declared states of emergency last week. These declarations followed extensive damage to waterfront properties and beaches within their city limits. Laguna Beach identified six homes that were “yellow-tagged,” signifying restricted entry. Dana Point reported seven “yellow-tagged” homes and an additional nine properties that were “red-tagged,” deeming them uninhabitable.
San Clemente is also considering declaring a state of emergency, citing damage to its pier, including 17 braces and a pylon, alongside an ongoing reduction in its coastline. This year, the National Weather Service projects a 75% chance of a historic weather event due to the current El Niño forecast. This prediction has prompted Orange County cities to begin efforts to replenish their beaches and reinforce infrastructure in preparation for potential winter storms. Laguna Beach City Manager Dave Kiff stated in a news release, "Most of us have never seen this much sand leave our beaches at once," underscoring the urgency for quick action to protect homes, beaches, and public infrastructure, even as sand is expected to return.
