87th American Meteorological Society Annual Meeting

PDFTech ReportWeather conditionsWeather forecastingMeteorological phenomenaRailroadsRailroad safetyFogFloodsCrosswindsPrecipitation (Meteorology)SnowIceUnited StatesRossetti, Michael A.John A. Volpe National Transportation Systems Center (U.S.)AGR-IMPACTS-EnvironmentNTL-RAIL TRANSPORTATION-Rail Energy and EnvironmentNTL-RAIL TRANSPORTATION-Rail SafetyVolpe National Transportation Systems Center, Technical Reference CenterWeather conditions exert a major influence on U.S. railroads. These conditions may affect operating efficiency, physical infrastructure, and the safe passage of freight and people. Railroad companies operate within a variety of meteorological conditions, some of which are particularly problematic for rail transportation. These also have significant seasonal and time-of-day components. Precipitation and fog lead to decreased visibility of signals, flash floods can wash out tracks, and excessive heat can warp tracks. Crosswinds can reduce stability or lead to blow-over of railcars. Snow and ice may cause regional delays or shutdowns. Serious problems can also result from preexisting accumulations of rain, ice and snow not associated with current weather conditions