Amtrak southbound New Orleans passes through Kenner, Louisiana Bob Johnston
Amtrak has canceled or modified train service to New Orleans as Tropical Storm Francine approaches the Gulf Coast of Texas and Louisiana and is expected to make landfall tomorrow afternoon.
Meanwhile, Union Pacific today told customers it is preparing for the storm, which is expected to hit as a Category 2 hurricane.
“We are currently monitoring Tropical Storm Francine as it approaches the west coast of the Gulf of Mexico. The storm is expected to turn north and impact the south coast of Texas and Louisiana by midweek. ” UP said in a customer advisory. “We are making preparations along our network to quickly respond to potential outages.”
UP is deploying generators, ballast, track panels, and diesel fuel to the area. It also aims to provide additional transportation and accommodation for rail crews in the region. Signal teams are securing the barrier at the grade crossing.
Norfolk Southern and CSX said in separate warnings to customers that the closure of the Port of New Orleans' locks would affect service through the gateway.
“No service areas are affected at this time and Norfolk Southern Railway is operating as scheduled,” the railroad said in a statement. “However, the Port of New Orleans is scheduled to close its flood gates tonight from 18:00 to 2000. This will not only affect local traffic in New Orleans, but also interchange traffic. Norfolk Southern Airlines We will work with operators to utilize alternative gateways where possible and will provide updates as appropriate.”
Amtrak has canceled today's train 59, City of New Orleans, between Chicago and New Orleans, according to an announcement to customers posted this morning. Trains 19 and 20, Crescent, were also suspended on all routes between New York and New Orleans.
Amtrak canceled the Sunset Limited 1 train between New Orleans and San Antonio, Texas, on Wednesday. Northbound New Orleans City Train 58 is also suspended between New Orleans and Chicago. Train 20 Crescent is suspended between New Orleans and Atlanta.
Note: Service advisory from CSX and NS, updated central at 3:28 p.m.
