A single long wooo is a “—” signal and alerts the crew to apply brakes. Three short horns would be seen as “o o o,” meaning that when stopped, the train has to back up.

Train horns serve as safety signals, using specific patterns to communicate with staff and pedestrians. Know why trains honk so much.

San Clemente is a getaway for 2.5 million visitors a year, providing a relaxing, laid-back seaside community, until the startling blare of a train horn sounds.