TAMPA, Fla. — After an unusual lull in hurricane activity in August and September, railroads are monitoring a new tropical disturbance that will make landfall around Tallahassee, Fla., on Thursday, Sept. 26, likely as a Category 2 or 3 hurricane.
“CSX is closely monitoring Tropical Storm Helene, which is projected to intensify to hurricane strength before making landfall along the Florida Panhandle on Thursday,” the railroad said in a statement. “Our primary concern is the safety of our employees, customers, and the communities we serve.
“In anticipation of potential impacts, we are implementing comprehensive safety measures and preparing our network to ensure the continuity of operations. Our teams are on high alert, ready to respond swiftly to any disruptions and to support recovery efforts.”
CSX is currently operating normally, with no train schedule changes currently in place. The railroad is closing its Tampa and Tampa Port TRANSFLO terminals Thursday and will monitor the storm before making a decision on Friday’s terminal operations.
Norfolk Southern says it’s also closely monitoring the storm and issued a Tuesday statement to customers.
“Currently, there are no impacted service areas and Norfolk Southern is operating as scheduled. However, high winds and heavy rains could impact rail operations in Florida, Georgia, and Alabama,” the advisory warns.
Amtrak makes several changes
Amtrak took several measures as of midday today in preparation for Helene, then expanded those moves as the day progressed and Helene intensified, becoming a Category 1 storm in the Gulf of Mexico.
The passenger railroad is canceling both Auto Trains Nos. 52 and 53 between Lorton, Va., and Sanford, Fla., on Thursday.
The southbound Crescent No. 19 from New York has been canceled for both Wednesday and Thursday, and northbound Crescent No. 20 is canceled for Thursday and Friday from New Orleans.
Today’s originating southbound Silver Star No. 91 will terminate in Jacksonville, Fla., with alternate transportation to Miami, bypassing Lakeland, Fla., and Tampa, Fla., on Thursday.
Northbound Silver Star No. 92 will originate from Jacksonville, Fla., on Thursday with no alternate transportation.
Hurricane Helene is currently projected to make landfall near Tallahassee on Thursday evening.
— Updated at 7:25 p.m. CT with additional Amtrak cancellations.
Once again, there was no need to cancel the Crescent the entire length of the route.