Union Pacific teams navigated unprecedented blizzard conditions earlier this month as a once-in-a-lifetime winter storm hit Texas and Louisiana’s Gulf Coast. Railroad employees safely provided service to customers amid record snowfall, icy conditions and historic frigid temperatures.
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“Our team demonstrated the safety mindset that is fundamental to achieving the service and operational excellence our customers and communities expect,” said Eric Gehringer, executive vice president-Operations.
The mid-January storm blanketed the Gulf Coast from Texas to Florida – leading the National Weather Service to issue its first-ever blizzard warning for Louisiana, with some areas experiencing up to 10 inches of snow.
Team members from every department rapidly coordinated preparation, response and recovery efforts – surging people, resources and equipment to reinforce local operations.
“We met three times daily, both before and during the storm, with key representatives from Dispatching, Transportation and Engineering to ensure fluid operations while keeping employees safe,” said Frank Herrera, senior director-Train Management, Spring Dispatching Center (SDC).
Spring, Texas, train dispatchers were staged at nearby hotels to limit winter weather travel; at the Harriman Dispatching Center’s Omaha headquarters, team members were activated to provide supplemental shift coverage.
“Senior leaders from the service unit and dispatching center were onsite around the clock as 24-hour problem-solvers and support for our employees,” Herrera said.
Engineering’s Signal and Maintenance of Way teams strategically placed generators and mobile switch warmers, safeguarding switches and routes critical to keeping train crews moving.
“Everyone’s commitment to prioritizing safety ensured we weathered the storm with zero injuries or incidents,” said Phillip Arnold, general manager, Gulf Coast Service Unit. “This is a testament to the dedication and preparedness of our team, as well as the safety measures we have in place.”
Learn how Union Pacific helps customers and communities prepare for winter weather.