Seattle's Sound Transit pre-emptively annulled train service Sunday, Dec. 28, 2014, anticipating disruptions due to forecast heavy rain. Its action proved wise, as mudslides affected BNSF right-of-way, over which Sound Transit service runs.
An early morning mudslide Sunday about one mile south of Mukilteo, Wash., cut off rail activity, AP reported. BNSF spokesman Gus Melonas says the slide dumped debris five feet high and 30 feet long. Mukilteo is roughly 10 miles southwest of Everett, Wash., Sound Transit's northern terminus for regional rail services.
The event forced NFL Seattle Seahawks fans to find alternate means of transport to the team's last regular-season game.
Sound Transit says the Sounder train between Seattle and Everett will be unavailable until at least Wednesday, Dec. 31. Service had been halted last week along the same route because of a mudslide last Wednesday, Dec. 24.