Amtrak halts service between PDX and VXR due to rain

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — Passenger rail service has been halted in the Portland area as wet, windy weather moves through the Northwest.

Amtrak on Tuesday closed tracks between Portland, Oregon, and Vancouver, Washington, because of high waters north of Portland Union Station. Passengers using the Amtrak Cascades service will be taken by bus around the closed areas. Coast Starlight and Empire Builder trains will be rerouted through the area.

Earlier Tuesday, commuter train and Amtrak services were cancelled between Seattle and Everett because of a landslide on the tracks.

Train service will be halted until at least Thursday morning, part of a mandatory waiting period as tracks are inspected.

The National Weather Service has issued a flood watch or advisory for much of western Oregon and Washington, as well as high wind warnings for the coast and other areas.