Winter Weather Impact to Operations

Announcement Number: CN2023-11
Categories: General Announcements
Posted Date: February 23, 2023

To Our Customers,

Winter Storm Olive has generated heavy snow, blizzard conditions, sub-zero temperatures, significant ice and road closures across our Northern Region — stretching from the Pacific Northwest, through Colorado, Wyoming, Iowa, Minnesota and Wisconsin.

Following is an operations update by region:

  • Pacific Northwest – Road closures are impacting our ability to safely transport crews to operate trains in the Portland area. With no additional snow in the forecast, extended impact should be limited.
  • Colorado & Wyoming – Blizzard conditions, including sub-zero temperatures, high winds and heavy snowfall has caused multiple interstate closures and temporary coal mine and facility closures for safety protocols. Roads, routes and mines are now open, with sub-zero temperatures expecting to warm on Friday and into the weekend. Meanwhile, we continue to manage the backlog of trains in this area.
  • Iowa, Minnesota & Wisconsin – We are clearing snow and ice throughout the Great Lakes region. Sub-zero temperatures and icy road conditions will continue to impact transporting crews to trains.
  • California & Nevada – High winds and heavy snow and rain will continue moving through the region with snowfall forecast of 12-24 inches and up to 60 inches at higher elevations.
  • New Mexico, Texas, Louisiana & Arkansas – We continue to monitor this storm that is forecast to bring heavy rain and wind gusts of up to 60 mph between Sunday and Tuesday.

We will continue to mitigate impacts to our operations over the coming days and adhere to our winter action protocols to respond quickly and safely to any service disruptions. Customers with shipments moving through the impacted states should anticipate delays between 24 to 48 hours. For customers with rail-served facilities located in the affected area, please continue to clear all walkways and switches of snow and ice prior to the crew arriving. To get more winter weather preparedness tips, visit Winter Weather Action Plan for Rail Shippers.

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