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Mudslides, derailment disrupt train service

EVERETT, Wash. — Seattle-bound train commuters are dealing with a double-dose of problems.

Sounder train service to Seattle from the north and the south is halted Monday and Tuesday.

Amtrak train services are also impacted.

Two mudslides and a freight train derailment are to blame.

Sounder North experienced two mudslides, and at the earliest, would operate Wednesday morning.

That’s because there's a 48-hour moratorium on passenger rail service any time there's a slide that blocks the tracks.

Chopper 7 flew over the cleaned up, muddy mess.

Heavy rains over the weekend sent mud down embankments and onto Burlington Northern Santa Fe tracks.

One mudslide covered the tracks south of Everett Sunday evening.

See photos of the mudslides and derailment here.

Mukilteo got hit later that night, forcing Northline Sounder to cancel service from Everett to Seattle.

"I found out last night via text message, which I signed up for with Sound Transit," said passenger Ted Edmonds.

Early Monday morning, commuters were instead offered a chartered bus ride to work.

"I hear it actually might be faster, although I like the train," said passenger Carolyn Wilbanks.

Amtrak trains to Seattle were canceled but service north of Everett is still a go.

Southline Sounder and Amtrak service also got hit -- this time, by a freight train derailment.

Chopper 7 also flew over the Auburn/Kent area where one train car was tipped to the side causing service between Lakewood and Seattle to be canceled.

Sounder South will operate on reduced service Monday afternoon.  The first southbound train will depart King Street Station at 3:42 p.m.  Northbound trains scheduled to depart Tacoma at 4:55 p.m., have been canceled.     For specific times and cancellations, see the rider alert page.

"This year's been excellent compared to last year," said Cheryl Drake of commuting on Sounder North.

By the end of January 2013, 162 Sounder trips had been canceled because of mudslides.

The state is working to shore up the hillsides and fix drainage problems.

The same charter bus service will be offered tomorrow.