Extreme Weather Conditions Throughout Our Network Continue to Hamper Operations

Announcement Number: CN2019-9
Categories: General Announcements
Posted Date: February 26, 2019

To Our Customers,

Following are updates regarding several areas where weather has presented challenges to our operations this week.

Midwest
The major winter storm that brought record snowfall to Nebraska, Iowa, Minnesota, Wisconsin and Illinois this past weekend continues to impact our rail network. The area has experienced impassable snow drifts in multiple locations between Des Moines, Iowa, and St. Paul, Minnesota. As of today, all of the affected areas have been cleared of snow and trains have resumed operations.

Although major freeways have reopened, surface streets remain closed, making it difficult for our crews to make it to work safely. Recovery efforts will be challenging, as sub-zero temperatures are forecasted through the week and into the weekend.

While crews are working diligently to restore normal service to this multi-state region, rail shipments moving through Nebraska, Iowa, Minnesota, Wisconsin and Illinois can expect delays between 48-72 hours.

Pacific Northwest
Our network is also impacted by heavy snowfall in central Oregon, where more than 100 trees have fallen onto the railroad tracks south of Eugene, Oregon. As of this morning, all trees were cleared from the tracks, and we are currently removing snow so that operations may resume. As we begin operating trains that were held in this region, customers should expect delays of 24-48 hours on shipments as we manage the backlog. Additional snowfall is forecasted over the next few days, so we will provide additional updates as needed.

Northern California
Our rail line near Paradise, California, in the Feather River Canyon encountered a mudslide measuring between 40-50 feet. We have cleared this track segment; however, shipments moving through this area can expect delays up to 24 hours. Heavy rains are forecasted, which could cause additional mudslides in the area. We are closely monitoring this situation and will provide additional updates if necessary.

Please refer to our Winter Operations information and the best practices to follow.

If you have any questions, please contact Customer Care & Support at 800-272-8777 or your Union Pacific representative.