Just saw a list of cancellations on FB (was that you TR7?).
Jan 2016 NEC/East Blizzard (was How does Amtrak handle snowstorms?)
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Thirdrail7
Engineer
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sitzplatz17
Lead Service Attendant
Hoping today's SB 19 isn't affected.
Was originally scheduled for an 8pm flight out of DCA on Friday. With no seat available on any carriers from now until my scheduled time (which I'm betting will be cancelled) I turned to Amtrak to save me.
Snagged probably the last Roomette to ATL tonight.
Good luck my DC brethren!
What I'm seeing on FB is tomorrow's cancellations (of which 19 is one).
Looking at the snowfall probability map with heavy snow in southern PA, central & western MD, central and NW VA, combined with the blizzard warnings, I would expect that the Capitol Limited, Silver Star, Meteor, Crescent will be cancelled on Saturday and possibly on Friday. Virginia Regionals and probably the Pennsylvanian as well. The storm is going to mess up a lot of travel plans.
In the DC area, the usual buying binge at the grocery stores to "stock up" enough goods to last for weeks (if not months) started yesterday as far as I can tell...
Ryan
Court Jester
MARC is going to run an "S" (limited service) schedule tomorrow and no service on Saturday. Sunday still TBD.
rtabern
Conductor
There is nothing up yet officially on Amtrak's website (big surprise there...), but it looks like train cancellations are starting to trickle in.
The Cardinal #51 will not run out of New York tomorrow -- and as a result -- will not run out of Chicago on Saturday night.
It also looks like some Pennsylvanian cancellations are up.
The Cardinal #51 will not run out of New York tomorrow -- and as a result -- will not run out of Chicago on Saturday night.
It also looks like some Pennsylvanian cancellations are up.
Triley
Real Lead Service Attendant
Amtrak has posted a blog page with a list of some cancellations. Says MOST NEC services will be running tomorrow, but does not specifically list anything that will not be running.
http://blog.amtrak.com/2016/01/amtrak-modifies-service-for-predicted-winter-storm/
http://blog.amtrak.com/2016/01/amtrak-modifies-service-for-predicted-winter-storm/
ScottRu
Service Attendant
I don't see where this has already been posted, though it may have been. But we just got notice that our trip south on the Silver meteor has been canceled. That storm is evidently too big for even a train to go through. Alas.
Eric308
Lead Service Attendant
neroden
Engineer
Typical. Southern cities shut down under small amounts of snow because they're not used to it. I suppose everything staffed out of DC is going to have cancellations because people can't get to work. Once you get north to NYC and further north, there's more snow *resilience* -- an inch of snow is just normal weather.
...and sure enough the Lake Shore Limited appears to be running.
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If you manage to get to DC by Amtrak, don't expect local transit to be running.
DC Metro to shut down amid weekend blizzard
DC Metro to shut down amid weekend blizzard
Ryan
Court Jester
Great article on why yesterday's snow was so problematic:
http://www.dennismersereau.com/2016/01/a-dusting-of-snow-is-more-dangerous.html
Short version: Danger doesn't scale with snow depth.
As far as the LSL goes, one would hope that it will:
neroden
Engineer
In the snowbelt a dusting of snow doesn't cause trouble because (a) we salt and sand the roads, and (b) *we are used to it* so we don't make stupid driving mistakes. There are lots of idiot drivers on the roads around here, but even many of the bad drivers seem to slow down the moment the snow starts falling. And we *know* the worst weather is 32 degrees F, because we deal with it regularly.
Again, the worst problem is typically weather in places which aren't prepared for it. We in the Northeast would probably be completely lost if we got Florida-style summer hurricane weather (which has happened occasionally and caused really massive disasters) or California-style wildfires and mudslides. Because those are rare and we don't prepare for them. We had a *tornado* near my house a few years ago and *nobody* was prepared for it -- thankfully it was only a small one, but nobody has "tornado basements" or anything.
Looking at that map, this storm could be really bad. Virginia is simply not used to getting snow and it's getting the brunt of the storm.
Again, the worst problem is typically weather in places which aren't prepared for it. We in the Northeast would probably be completely lost if we got Florida-style summer hurricane weather (which has happened occasionally and caused really massive disasters) or California-style wildfires and mudslides. Because those are rare and we don't prepare for them. We had a *tornado* near my house a few years ago and *nobody* was prepared for it -- thankfully it was only a small one, but nobody has "tornado basements" or anything.
Looking at that map, this storm could be really bad. Virginia is simply not used to getting snow and it's getting the brunt of the storm.
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NW cannonball
Conductor
Looks like this storm is heading for a "worst case scenario" with heavy wet snow, temps near freezing (lots of iced up falling power lines, trees. catenary) and high winds.
Likely that Amtrak plans B and C won't be enough to keep trains running.
Time to hunker down, stock up on food and water if not done already, don't even think of driving anywhere, watch local media.
Virginia and Maryland already declared emergency, called up the National Guard.
Please, please understand it will be very very bad for a few days.
Don't count on roads, rails, airports. Stay home.
OK you all know that already. Make sure your friends and neighbors are prepared.
Likely that Amtrak plans B and C won't be enough to keep trains running.
Time to hunker down, stock up on food and water if not done already, don't even think of driving anywhere, watch local media.
Virginia and Maryland already declared emergency, called up the National Guard.
Please, please understand it will be very very bad for a few days.
Don't count on roads, rails, airports. Stay home.
OK you all know that already. Make sure your friends and neighbors are prepared.
Here are the planned changes for Friday and Saturday. As always, subject to change and Amtrak.com will show the latest information when searching for availability.
Friday, January 22
NEC
65 - Cancelled WAS-NPN. Will operate BOS-WAS.
66 - Cancelled NPN-WAS. Will operate WAS-BOS.
83 - Cancelled RVR-NPN. Will operate BOS-RVR.
85 - Cancelled WAS-RVR. Will operate BOS-WAS.
95 - Cancelled RVR-NPN. Will operate BOS-RVR.
125 - Cancelled RVR-NFK. Will operate NYP-RVR.
127 - Cancelled PHL-WAS. Will operate NYP-PHL.
171 - Cancelled WAS-LYH. Will operate BOS-WAS.
2173 - Cancelled NYP-WAS. Will operate BOS-NYP.
2175 - Cancelled NYP-WAS. Will operate BOS-NYP.
Long Haul
19 - Cancelled entirely
20 - Cancelled entirely
29 - Cancelled entirely
30 - Cancelled PGH-WAS on Saturday, Jan 22. Operates CHI-PGH.
51 - Cancelled NYP-IND. Operates IND-CHI on Saturday, Jan 23.
52 - Cancelled entirely
53 - Cancelled entirely
79 - Cancelled WAS-RGH. Will operate NYP-WAS and RGH-CLT
80 - Cancelled RGH-NYP. Will operate CLT-RGH
91 - Cancelled NYP-JAX. Will operate JAX-MIA on Saturday, Jan 22
92 - Cancelled JAX-NYP. Will operate MIA-JAX.
97 - Cancelled entirely
98 - Cancelled entirely
Saturday, January 23
NEC
65 - Originated Friday, cancelled WAS-NPN.
66 - Cancelled NPN-WAS. Operates WAS-BOS.
71 - Cancelled entirely
82 - Cancelled entirely
88 - Cancelled NFK-WAS. Operates WAS-BOS.
96 - Cancelled NPN-WAS. Operates WAS-BOS.
99 - Cancelled entirely
131 - Cancelled entirely
140 - Cancelled WAS-NYP. Operates NYP-SPG.
147 - Cancelled NYP-LYH. Operates SPG-NYP.
152 - Cancelled entirely
153 - Cancelled entirely
156 - Cancelled entirely
159 - Cancelled entirely
160 - Cancelled entirely
164 - Cancelled RVR-WAS. Operates WAS-BOS.
167 - Cancelled entirely
182 - Cancelled entirely
192 - Cancelled entirely
195 - Cancelled WAS-RVR. Operates BOS-WAS.
2203 - Cancelled entirely
2207 - Cancelled entirely
2212 - Cancelled entirely
2220 - Cancelled entirely
2250 - Cancelled WAS-NYP. Operates NYP-BOS.
2251 - Cancelled NYP-WAS. Operates NYP_BOS.
2253 - Cancelled entirely
2260 - Cancelled entirely
2290 - Cancelled entirely
2295 - Cancelled entirely
Keystones
611 - Cancelled entirely
661 - Cancelled NYP-PHL. Operates PHL-HAR.
662 - Cancelled entirely
665 - Cancelled entirely
666 - Cancelled entirely
669 - Cancelled entirely
670 - Cancelled entirely
Long Haul
19 - Cancelled entirely
20 - Cancelled entirely
29 - Cancelled WAS-PGH. Operates PGH-CHI.
30 - Cancelled PGH-WAS on Sunday, Jan 24. Operates CHI-PGH.
50 - Cancelled entirely
52 - Cancelled entirely
53 - Cancelled entirely
79 - Cancelled WAS-RGH. Will operate NYP-WAS and RGH-CLT.
80 - Cancelled RGH-NYP. Will operate CLT-RGH.
89 - Cancelled entirely
90 - Cancelled SAV-WAS. Operates WAS-NYP.
91 - Cancelled NYP-JAX. Will operate JAX-MIA on Sunday, Jan 24.
92 - Cancelled JAX-NYP. Will operate MIA-JAX.
97 - Cancelled entirely
98 - Cancelled entirely
Friday, January 22
NEC
65 - Cancelled WAS-NPN. Will operate BOS-WAS.
66 - Cancelled NPN-WAS. Will operate WAS-BOS.
83 - Cancelled RVR-NPN. Will operate BOS-RVR.
85 - Cancelled WAS-RVR. Will operate BOS-WAS.
95 - Cancelled RVR-NPN. Will operate BOS-RVR.
125 - Cancelled RVR-NFK. Will operate NYP-RVR.
127 - Cancelled PHL-WAS. Will operate NYP-PHL.
171 - Cancelled WAS-LYH. Will operate BOS-WAS.
2173 - Cancelled NYP-WAS. Will operate BOS-NYP.
2175 - Cancelled NYP-WAS. Will operate BOS-NYP.
Long Haul
19 - Cancelled entirely
20 - Cancelled entirely
29 - Cancelled entirely
30 - Cancelled PGH-WAS on Saturday, Jan 22. Operates CHI-PGH.
51 - Cancelled NYP-IND. Operates IND-CHI on Saturday, Jan 23.
52 - Cancelled entirely
53 - Cancelled entirely
79 - Cancelled WAS-RGH. Will operate NYP-WAS and RGH-CLT
80 - Cancelled RGH-NYP. Will operate CLT-RGH
91 - Cancelled NYP-JAX. Will operate JAX-MIA on Saturday, Jan 22
92 - Cancelled JAX-NYP. Will operate MIA-JAX.
97 - Cancelled entirely
98 - Cancelled entirely
Saturday, January 23
NEC
65 - Originated Friday, cancelled WAS-NPN.
66 - Cancelled NPN-WAS. Operates WAS-BOS.
71 - Cancelled entirely
82 - Cancelled entirely
88 - Cancelled NFK-WAS. Operates WAS-BOS.
96 - Cancelled NPN-WAS. Operates WAS-BOS.
99 - Cancelled entirely
131 - Cancelled entirely
140 - Cancelled WAS-NYP. Operates NYP-SPG.
147 - Cancelled NYP-LYH. Operates SPG-NYP.
152 - Cancelled entirely
153 - Cancelled entirely
156 - Cancelled entirely
159 - Cancelled entirely
160 - Cancelled entirely
164 - Cancelled RVR-WAS. Operates WAS-BOS.
167 - Cancelled entirely
182 - Cancelled entirely
192 - Cancelled entirely
195 - Cancelled WAS-RVR. Operates BOS-WAS.
2203 - Cancelled entirely
2207 - Cancelled entirely
2212 - Cancelled entirely
2220 - Cancelled entirely
2250 - Cancelled WAS-NYP. Operates NYP-BOS.
2251 - Cancelled NYP-WAS. Operates NYP_BOS.
2253 - Cancelled entirely
2260 - Cancelled entirely
2290 - Cancelled entirely
2295 - Cancelled entirely
Keystones
611 - Cancelled entirely
661 - Cancelled NYP-PHL. Operates PHL-HAR.
662 - Cancelled entirely
665 - Cancelled entirely
666 - Cancelled entirely
669 - Cancelled entirely
670 - Cancelled entirely
Long Haul
19 - Cancelled entirely
20 - Cancelled entirely
29 - Cancelled WAS-PGH. Operates PGH-CHI.
30 - Cancelled PGH-WAS on Sunday, Jan 24. Operates CHI-PGH.
50 - Cancelled entirely
52 - Cancelled entirely
53 - Cancelled entirely
79 - Cancelled WAS-RGH. Will operate NYP-WAS and RGH-CLT.
80 - Cancelled RGH-NYP. Will operate CLT-RGH.
89 - Cancelled entirely
90 - Cancelled SAV-WAS. Operates WAS-NYP.
91 - Cancelled NYP-JAX. Will operate JAX-MIA on Sunday, Jan 24.
92 - Cancelled JAX-NYP. Will operate MIA-JAX.
97 - Cancelled entirely
98 - Cancelled entirely
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- Joined
- Aug 2, 2015
- Messages
- 7
A topic I can contribute to, at least slightly!
I'm a meteorology major in college currently. This is likely going to turn into a Historic snowstorm/blizzard, and I would have to imagine that DC is going to be almost completely shutdown. If 1" of snow the other day shut down almost the entire highway network, I wouldn't even bother going into work today (Friday). Snow should start around 3-4PM, and they'll probably see 3-6" by 8PM. That spells disaster for the area, especially with windy conditions too.
As for the entire corridor... NPN-DC-PHL seems like an almost certain bet for significant to historic snowfall. I doubt anyone in that corridor will be moving until at least Sunday, and perhaps even later as the snow will be pretty wet, heavy snow. Wind is a concern as well especially if it takes down any catenary on the NEC. Can't wait to see how 88/96 manage Saturday
I'll leave you guys with this projected snowfall map from the National Weather Service:
I'm a meteorology major in college currently. This is likely going to turn into a Historic snowstorm/blizzard, and I would have to imagine that DC is going to be almost completely shutdown. If 1" of snow the other day shut down almost the entire highway network, I wouldn't even bother going into work today (Friday). Snow should start around 3-4PM, and they'll probably see 3-6" by 8PM. That spells disaster for the area, especially with windy conditions too.
As for the entire corridor... NPN-DC-PHL seems like an almost certain bet for significant to historic snowfall. I doubt anyone in that corridor will be moving until at least Sunday, and perhaps even later as the snow will be pretty wet, heavy snow. Wind is a concern as well especially if it takes down any catenary on the NEC. Can't wait to see how 88/96 manage Saturday
I'll leave you guys with this projected snowfall map from the National Weather Service:
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west point
Engineer
Here in the south a fair explanation can be summed up as:::
1. The CSX ROW WASH - Richmond is fairly clear of possible impediments.
2. South of Richmond CSX does not clear ROW trees and with the ice there will be massive number of trees across the tracks. Southern pines like to lean toward open areas which is the space above tracks. As well high winds will also bring down trees. IMHO the cancellations are well thought out. No use stranding a train in the middle of nowhere that is running out of fuel.
3. Forecast the same bad conditions on the Crescent route, Although NS clears more trees still warrants its cancellations.
4. Some power lines will also fall across the tracks. Only recently have utility companies started double anchoring lines across roads and RRs
5.. It may be a week or more until some RR routes are clear.
A side benefit for Amtrak will be that the locos usually used for the LD trains can be moved to locations to take care of any CAT failures on the NEC
1. The CSX ROW WASH - Richmond is fairly clear of possible impediments.
2. South of Richmond CSX does not clear ROW trees and with the ice there will be massive number of trees across the tracks. Southern pines like to lean toward open areas which is the space above tracks. As well high winds will also bring down trees. IMHO the cancellations are well thought out. No use stranding a train in the middle of nowhere that is running out of fuel.
3. Forecast the same bad conditions on the Crescent route, Although NS clears more trees still warrants its cancellations.
4. Some power lines will also fall across the tracks. Only recently have utility companies started double anchoring lines across roads and RRs
5.. It may be a week or more until some RR routes are clear.
A side benefit for Amtrak will be that the locos usually used for the LD trains can be moved to locations to take care of any CAT failures on the NEC
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This is how AMTRAK handles snow:
http://discuss.amtraktrains.com/index.php?/topic/58373-snow-inside-coach/
http://discuss.amtraktrains.com/index.php?/topic/58373-snow-inside-coach/
Not to make light of the inconvenience the storm is causing, but it's hard to take something that looks like a pink arrowhead seriously.I'll leave you guys with this projected snowfall map from the National Weather Service:
ndfd_snow_ma_9.png
rtabern
Conductor
I am trying to figure out tomorrow's (1/23/16) departure of the Cardinal, Train #50.
It was cancelled in its entirety yesterday to sales -- now it appears back -- but only running CHI-IND it seems.
On Trainorders, someone mentioned it would be running as just 1 coach car -- but it shows sleepers for sale on there!! Why would they run a sleeper from CHI-IND as part of a stub #50? A little odd!
It was cancelled in its entirety yesterday to sales -- now it appears back -- but only running CHI-IND it seems.
On Trainorders, someone mentioned it would be running as just 1 coach car -- but it shows sleepers for sale on there!! Why would they run a sleeper from CHI-IND as part of a stub #50? A little odd!
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