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10/9/2024
To safeguard the nation’s freight rail network against intensifying hurricanes and tropical storms, railroads employ a proactive strategy that combines year-round maintenance, smart operational practices and innovative technologies, the Association of American Railroads reported yesterday in its newsletter.
As Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton impact communities across the Southeast, freight railroads are continuing to take steps to protect the safety of their employees, their networks and the communities they serve, according to AAR's December issue of "The Signal."
The railroads' preparation and protective measures include:• monitoring weather in real-time at their traffic control centers, where they receive information from in-house meteorologists, the National Weather Service and train operators; • maintaining company-specific operating instructions on how to prepare for and respond to natural disasters, including flooding; • utilizing high-water detectors to send real-time notifications about track conditions to approaching trains; and• utilizing transient voltage surge suppressors and grounding systems to divert excess voltage away from critical systems to reduce the risk of damage and service disruptions during severe storms.
"As we navigate the aftermath of these hurricanes, railroads remain dedicated to long-term preparedness for all types of extreme weather, including winter storms," AAR officials said.