Hurricane Matthew prompts NS to invoke 'force majeure' in North Carolina

Norfolk Southern Railway told its customers yesterday that it invoked a "force majeure" clause for traffic destined for areas east of Selma, N.C.

NS is working to restore service east of Selma to New Bern, N.C., after the Class I experienced multiple washouts during Hurricane Matthew over the weekend. As a result, the railroad invoked the force majeure contract clause starting Oct. 7 for traffic destined to the Chocowinity, Goldsboro and New Bern areas.

The railroad said it would provide updates on when the line can be returned to service.

A force majeure clause is a contract provision that allows a party to suspend certain performance guarantees as a result of unanticipated disruptions to normal service conditions.