Hurricane Helene: CSX, Norfolk Southern working on service recovery

Editor's note: This story has been updated to include news of Norfolk Southern Railway's donation to the American Red Cross.

CSX and Norfolk Southern Railway crews were working around the clock this past weekend to recover and restore service following the devastating impact of Hurricane Helene, which reached Florida late last week and moved through Georgia, South Carolina, Tennessee and North Carolina.

The storm left at least 100 people dead and a path of destruction that stretches over 500 miles, CNN reported today. Significant rain and wind damage resulted in flooding, downed trees and power outages.

"Over the weekend, we have made substantial progress in clearing the network and making necessary repairs," CSX stated yesterday in a customer service advisory. "However, potential delays remain."

NS announced it has made significant progress recovering from the storm's impact. Routes out of service as of last night include Macon to Brunswick; Asheville, North Carolina; Bluefield West Virginia to Norton Virginia; Augusta to Millen Georgia; and Augusta, Georgia, to Columbia, South Carolina.

"Customers with shipments moving through these areas that are currently out of service could see delays of 72 hours," NS officials said in their customer advisory. 

Meanwhile, CSX and NS announced they each will contribute $100,000 to support the American Red Cross in its ongoing relief and recovery efforts underway in communities impacted by Hurricane Helene.

“The devastation caused by Hurricane Helene has deeply impacted the communities where our employees, families, neighbors, and customers live and work,” said CSX President and CEO Joe Hinrichs in a press release. “Our contribution to the American Red Cross is a reflection of our dedication to ensuring that essential resources reach the people and communities that need them the most as they begin the long process of rebuilding and healing.”

CSX will also match dollar for dollar donations that company employees make to the American Red Cross.

"We are committed to supporting the American Red Cross in delivering immediate relief and long-term recovery. Our Employee Disaster Relief Program will provide financial aid directly to Norfolk Southern railroaders who have been affected. And we are working hard to get all impacted routes back online so we can provide access to those communities," said NS President and CEO Mark George.

AccuWeather today announced its hurricane total damage and economic loss is now estimated in the range of $145 billion to $160 billion. The amount represents an increase from earlier estimates to reflect the additional, grim damage reports received over the past 48 hours and makes Hurricane Helene one of the costliest storms in United States history, AccuWeather officials said in a press release.