All trains to/from Florida cancelled as National Weather Service upgrades Tropical Storm Ernesto warning for the Carolinas to Hurricane Watch at 11am. The predominant model wind speed at projected landfall is now 60Kt, which is just 4Kt below Hurricane, hence the upgrade to Hurricane Watch.
Service Alert: Hurricane Watch Causes Train Cancellations
UPDATED:
1:00 pm Eastern Time
August 31, 2006
At 11:00 am Eastern Time today, the National Hurricane Center issued an updated advisory announcing a Hurricane Watch for the Carolinas. Tropical Storm Ernesto is now over the Atlantic, approaching the Carolinas and is increasing in strength.
As a result of this renewed Hurricane Watch and the potential for hurricane conditions along the route of Amtrak Florida service trains, Amtrak has canceled three trains originally scheduled to operate today. The decision was made in order to avoid placing our passengers in harm’s way.
* Both Auto Trains, #52 and #53, that operate between Lorton, Va., and Sanford, Fla., are canceled today.
* The southbound Silver Meteor, train #97, scheduled to depart New York City for Miami today, is canceled. No alternate transportation will be provided.
Amtrak regrets the need to take this action. Timing for resumption of service will depend on conditions following passage of the storm.
For updates, passengers may call 1-800-USA-RAIL or visit Amtrak.com.
So now I am going down to Orlando by Continental tomorrow on one of their now rare domestic 757s, and even saving some money when compared to sleeper fares. Also got a complementary upgrade. So while I am sad that I could not get my train ride, overall I am a happy camper. At least I get to ride the train back, and for some reason the sleeper fare on that train is absurdly low. So all in all things look good so far.
Edited by jis, 31 August 2006 - 03:56 PM.