Service Alert: Amtrak Prepares for Hurricane Hanna
September 2, 2008
4:00 pm ET
In preparation for Hurricane Hanna, which is expected to make landfall in Florida later this week, Amtrak has cancelled some service in Florida, beginning tomorrow, September 3, 2008.
Silver Star
Train 91, the Silver Star, scheduled to depart from New York Wednesday morning, Sept. 3, will terminate in Tampa on Thursday with no alternate transportation between Tampa and Miami.
Silver Meteor
Train 97, the Silver Meteor, scheduled to depart New York Wednesday afternoon, Sept. 3, will terminate in Orlando on Thursday with no alternate transportation between Orlando and Miami.
Affected passengers with confirmed reservations are currently being contacted.
Amtrak will continue to monitor the progress of Hurricane Hanna and make other service adjustments, as needed.
Amtrak regrets any inconvenience. This information is correct as of the above time and date. Information is subject to change as conditions warrant. Passengers are encouraged to call 800-USA-RAIL or visit Amtrak.com for schedule information and train status updates
Full Version: TS/Hurricane Hannah
I see that as of this morning, the above alert is no longer displayed on Amtrak's main page.
It appears from current forecasts that Hannah, if it makes landfall at all, will do so in the Carolinas, with Florida only possibly being brushed by the west side of the storm.
And from past experience that would probably mean anulling the entire runs of Silver Service trains and the Palmetto.
It appears from current forecasts that Hannah, if it makes landfall at all, will do so in the Carolinas, with Florida only possibly being brushed by the west side of the storm.
And from past experience that would probably mean anulling the entire runs of Silver Service trains and the Palmetto.
QUOTE(KevinKorell @ Sep 4 2008, 07:48 AM) 
It appears from current forecasts that Hannah, if it makes landfall at all, will do so in the Carolinas, with Florida only possibly being brushed by the west side of the storm.
Hanna may be the least of the problem. While Hanna's predicted "eyepath" is along the eastern seaborad, with landfall likely in the Carolina's, Ike is just a few days behind. Hanna is currently a tropical storm, and is expected to intensify to a Cat 1 hurricane before making landfall.
Hurricane Ike is currently a Cat 4. Ike is generally following Hanna's path. If this continues, Ike will likely impact the U.S. east coast early next week. With the ground already soaked from Hananh, the damage potential from Ike is very high, especially if it comes ashore as a Cat 2 or higher storm.
Alternatively, Ike could enter the Gulf of Mexico -- with several possible scenarios.
And then there's "Josie." Tropical Storm Josephine is far out in the Atlantic, and is expected to turn to the northeast before threatening the U.S.
Hannah Forecast Eye Path
Ike Forecast Eye Path
Josephine Forecast Eye Path
Amtrak notice at 4:00pm, 9/4/08
QUOTE
Service Alert: Amtrak Cancels Some Service in Preparation for Tropical Storm Hanna
September 4, 2008
4:00 pm ET
In preparation for Tropical Storm Hanna, which is expected to reach hurricane strength before making landfall this weekend, Amtrak has cancelled some service along the east coast beginning September 5, 2008.
The following trains are cancelled with no alternate transportation provided:
Palmetto, trains 89 and 90 between New York and Savannah
Silver Meteor, trains 97 and 98 between New York and Miami
Auto Train, trains 52 and 53 between Lorton, Va. and Sanford, Fla.
Northeast Regional, train 78 between Newport News and Richmond
The following trains will provide partial service:
Silver Star, trains 91 and 92 will operate between Miami and Winter Park, Fla
Carolinian, trains 79 and 80 will operate between Raleigh and Charlotte
Northeast Regional, train 67 will operate Boston to Washington; however, it is cancelled between Washington and Newport News
Passengers with confirmed reservations for the affected trains are currently being contacted.
Amtrak will continue to monitor the storm's progress and make additional service adjustments, as needed, to ensure the safety of its passengers and employees.
Passengers may call 800-USA-RAIL or visit Amtrak.com for additional information and train status updates. This information is correct as of the date and time above and will be updated as needed.
September 4, 2008
4:00 pm ET
In preparation for Tropical Storm Hanna, which is expected to reach hurricane strength before making landfall this weekend, Amtrak has cancelled some service along the east coast beginning September 5, 2008.
The following trains are cancelled with no alternate transportation provided:
Palmetto, trains 89 and 90 between New York and Savannah
Silver Meteor, trains 97 and 98 between New York and Miami
Auto Train, trains 52 and 53 between Lorton, Va. and Sanford, Fla.
Northeast Regional, train 78 between Newport News and Richmond
The following trains will provide partial service:
Silver Star, trains 91 and 92 will operate between Miami and Winter Park, Fla
Carolinian, trains 79 and 80 will operate between Raleigh and Charlotte
Northeast Regional, train 67 will operate Boston to Washington; however, it is cancelled between Washington and Newport News
Passengers with confirmed reservations for the affected trains are currently being contacted.
Amtrak will continue to monitor the storm's progress and make additional service adjustments, as needed, to ensure the safety of its passengers and employees.
Passengers may call 800-USA-RAIL or visit Amtrak.com for additional information and train status updates. This information is correct as of the date and time above and will be updated as needed.
CSX Customer News - 9/5/08
Service Bulletin: Hanna Update
Consistent with normal practice, CSX is monitoring the progress of Tropical Storm Hanna and taking appropriate precautions in the Southeast coastal areas to protect employees and minimize delays to shipments.
These precautions include securing equipment, staging materials, and making arrangements for redirecting shipments on alternative routes.
Current forecasts point to a likely landfall in the Carolinas. CSX is working with customers in the potentially affected areas to ensure that rail equipment is moved or secured.
Service Bulletin: Hanna Update
Consistent with normal practice, CSX is monitoring the progress of Tropical Storm Hanna and taking appropriate precautions in the Southeast coastal areas to protect employees and minimize delays to shipments.
These precautions include securing equipment, staging materials, and making arrangements for redirecting shipments on alternative routes.
Current forecasts point to a likely landfall in the Carolinas. CSX is working with customers in the potentially affected areas to ensure that rail equipment is moved or secured.
QUOTE
The following trains are cancelled with no alternate transportation provided:
Palmetto, trains 89 and 90 between New York and Savannah
Silver Meteor, trains 97 and 98 between New York and Miami
Auto Train, trains 52 and 53 between Lorton, Va. and Sanford, Fla.
Northeast Regional, train 78 between Newport News and Richmond
#78 is a Friday-only equipment move because on Fridays Newport News has both 83 and 95 coming in. So they are still running both sets of equipment into the fray. One will most likely become Saturday evening's 66 (provided it is able to operate), to make up for 67 not arriving there that afternoon.
And since 78 provides the equipment for one of the two trains that originates in Richmond on Saturday morning, expect either 82 or 88 to originate in Washington rather than Richmond.
VRE Trainttalk, 9/5:
Tropical Storm Hanna Expected
Tropical Storm Hanna is expected to make landfall sometime tonight and speed up the Eastern Seaboard over the weekend. We will be monitoring the storm over the weekend with our railroad partners.
Once the storm passes through, the railroads will assess the condition of the tracks and notify us of any potential issues in our service area.
We will make an announcement on Sunday by 6:00p (September 7) letting our riders know if there will be any changes to our service on Monday, September 8. Information will be posted on our website, our 800-RIDE-VRE hotline, and through Train Talk.
Tropical Storm Hanna Expected
Tropical Storm Hanna is expected to make landfall sometime tonight and speed up the Eastern Seaboard over the weekend. We will be monitoring the storm over the weekend with our railroad partners.
Once the storm passes through, the railroads will assess the condition of the tracks and notify us of any potential issues in our service area.
We will make an announcement on Sunday by 6:00p (September 7) letting our riders know if there will be any changes to our service on Monday, September 8. Information will be posted on our website, our 800-RIDE-VRE hotline, and through Train Talk.
WMATA press release:
For immediate release: September 5, 2008
Metro prepares for the remnants of Hurricane Hanna
Metro officials have put aggressive plans into place to help prevent Saturday’s expected arrival of Hurricane Hanna and the winds, rain and potential flooding expected to accompany it from affecting Metrorail, Metrobus and MetroAccess service. Metro officials have begun to transport sand bags to select rail stations that have a history of flooding issues; started to check and monitor drainage pumping stations, and have scheduled personnel to respond to situations that may arise.
With the potential of high winds and heavy rainfall on Saturday, officials are doing everything they can to protect the transit system from experiencing water damage. Metro’s trains operate along an electrified third rail, which provides power to the train engines. If water reaches that power line, trains will not be able to operate. Metrobus and MetroAccess vehicles, on the other hand, rely on clear roads to be able to provide service.
“We’re doing what we can to prepare for the possibility of flooding,” said Deputy General Manager Gerald Francis. “We are not going to wait to see how bad it gets. We are pro-actively moving forward with the expectation that the wind and rain will be heavy.”
Under Metro’s emergency response planning, if the region experiences sustained winds of 40 mph or greater, Metro may suspend rail, bus and paratransit service as a safety precaution. In its 32-year history, Metro suspended service due to high winds only once, when Hurricane Isabel arrived in September 2003.
Metro’s plant maintenance staff has been working to ensure the drainage areas near Metrorail stations and yards are clear to help ensure that the rain will not back up at those points.
On Thursday, Metro maintenance staff filled more than 2,500 sand bags and they were placed at stations which historically have had water flow above the curb and down escalators into the Cleveland Park, King Street, Southern Avenue, Navy Yard, Federal Triangle, Stadium-Armory, Foggy Bottom-GWU and the Largo Town Center Metrorail stations. The Smithsonian Metrorail station also occasionally has seen high water run-off from The Mall into the station via vent shafts.
Metro staff will also have chain saws ready to remove trees that may fall across tracks due to high winds.
Bus and rail supervisors and station managers have already checked to ensure that their emergency kits are ready, batteries fresh, and emergency procedures have been reviewed.
Staffing will be plentiful with support mechanics monitoring drainage pumping stations to ensure continuous operation. Additional plumbers will be on duty Saturday to assist during each shift, and maintenance personnel who usually have other responsibilities will be available to respond as the needs dictate.
Metrobus street supervisors will monitor locations around the area for potential drainage problems, to provide critical information to the assembled team of flood-control workers. Large emergency water pumps are available for dispatch as needed.
Metrobuses and MetroAccess vehicles will detour around downed trees and flooded streets, as necessary.
Metro encourages bus passengers to step away from the curb as their bus approaches and for rail passengers to step away from the edge of platform due to the anticipated high winds for Saturday.
For immediate release: September 5, 2008
Metro prepares for the remnants of Hurricane Hanna
Metro officials have put aggressive plans into place to help prevent Saturday’s expected arrival of Hurricane Hanna and the winds, rain and potential flooding expected to accompany it from affecting Metrorail, Metrobus and MetroAccess service. Metro officials have begun to transport sand bags to select rail stations that have a history of flooding issues; started to check and monitor drainage pumping stations, and have scheduled personnel to respond to situations that may arise.
With the potential of high winds and heavy rainfall on Saturday, officials are doing everything they can to protect the transit system from experiencing water damage. Metro’s trains operate along an electrified third rail, which provides power to the train engines. If water reaches that power line, trains will not be able to operate. Metrobus and MetroAccess vehicles, on the other hand, rely on clear roads to be able to provide service.
“We’re doing what we can to prepare for the possibility of flooding,” said Deputy General Manager Gerald Francis. “We are not going to wait to see how bad it gets. We are pro-actively moving forward with the expectation that the wind and rain will be heavy.”
Under Metro’s emergency response planning, if the region experiences sustained winds of 40 mph or greater, Metro may suspend rail, bus and paratransit service as a safety precaution. In its 32-year history, Metro suspended service due to high winds only once, when Hurricane Isabel arrived in September 2003.
Metro’s plant maintenance staff has been working to ensure the drainage areas near Metrorail stations and yards are clear to help ensure that the rain will not back up at those points.
On Thursday, Metro maintenance staff filled more than 2,500 sand bags and they were placed at stations which historically have had water flow above the curb and down escalators into the Cleveland Park, King Street, Southern Avenue, Navy Yard, Federal Triangle, Stadium-Armory, Foggy Bottom-GWU and the Largo Town Center Metrorail stations. The Smithsonian Metrorail station also occasionally has seen high water run-off from The Mall into the station via vent shafts.
Metro staff will also have chain saws ready to remove trees that may fall across tracks due to high winds.
Bus and rail supervisors and station managers have already checked to ensure that their emergency kits are ready, batteries fresh, and emergency procedures have been reviewed.
Staffing will be plentiful with support mechanics monitoring drainage pumping stations to ensure continuous operation. Additional plumbers will be on duty Saturday to assist during each shift, and maintenance personnel who usually have other responsibilities will be available to respond as the needs dictate.
Metrobus street supervisors will monitor locations around the area for potential drainage problems, to provide critical information to the assembled team of flood-control workers. Large emergency water pumps are available for dispatch as needed.
Metrobuses and MetroAccess vehicles will detour around downed trees and flooded streets, as necessary.
Metro encourages bus passengers to step away from the curb as their bus approaches and for rail passengers to step away from the edge of platform due to the anticipated high winds for Saturday.
Amtrak notice at 3:45 PM, 9/5/08:
Service Alert: Amtrak Cancels Some Service in Preparation for Tropical Storm Hanna
September 5, 2008
3:45 pm ET
In preparation for Tropical Storm Hanna, which is expected to reach hurricane strength before making landfall this weekend, Amtrak has cancelled some service along the east coast for September 6, 2008.
The following trains are cancelled with no alternate transportation provided:
Piedmont, trains 73 and 74 between Raleigh and Charlotte
Carolinian, trains 79 and 80 between New York and Charlotte
Palmetto, trains 89 and 90 between New York and Savannah
Auto Train, trains 52 and 53 between Lorton, Va. and Sanford, Fla.
Silver Meteor, trains 97 and 98 between New York and Miami.
The following trains will provide partial service:
Silver Star, trains 91 and 92 will operate between Miami and Winter Park, Fla. only
Northeast Regional, trains 66 and 194 will operate Washington to Boston; however, they are cancelled between Newport News and Washington
Northeast Regional, trains 67 and 99 will operate Boston to Washington; however, they are cancelled between Washington and Newport News
Northeast Regional, train 195 will operate Boston to Washington; however, it is cancelled between Washington and Richmond
Passengers with confirmed reservations for the affected trains are currently being contacted.
Amtrak will continue to monitor the storm's progress and make additional service adjustments, as needed, to ensure the safety of its passengers and employees.
Passengers may call 800-USA-RAIL or visit http://www.Amtrak.com/ for additional information and train status updates. This information is correct as of the date and time above and will be updated as needed.
QUOTE
Service Alert: Amtrak Cancels Some Service in Preparation for Tropical Storm Hanna
September 5, 2008
3:45 pm ET
In preparation for Tropical Storm Hanna, which is expected to reach hurricane strength before making landfall this weekend, Amtrak has cancelled some service along the east coast for September 6, 2008.
The following trains are cancelled with no alternate transportation provided:
Piedmont, trains 73 and 74 between Raleigh and Charlotte
Carolinian, trains 79 and 80 between New York and Charlotte
Palmetto, trains 89 and 90 between New York and Savannah
Auto Train, trains 52 and 53 between Lorton, Va. and Sanford, Fla.
Silver Meteor, trains 97 and 98 between New York and Miami.
The following trains will provide partial service:
Silver Star, trains 91 and 92 will operate between Miami and Winter Park, Fla. only
Northeast Regional, trains 66 and 194 will operate Washington to Boston; however, they are cancelled between Newport News and Washington
Northeast Regional, trains 67 and 99 will operate Boston to Washington; however, they are cancelled between Washington and Newport News
Northeast Regional, train 195 will operate Boston to Washington; however, it is cancelled between Washington and Richmond
Passengers with confirmed reservations for the affected trains are currently being contacted.
Amtrak will continue to monitor the storm's progress and make additional service adjustments, as needed, to ensure the safety of its passengers and employees.
Passengers may call 800-USA-RAIL or visit http://www.Amtrak.com/ for additional information and train status updates. This information is correct as of the date and time above and will be updated as needed.
NYC Transit: weather-related service alert
To our customers:
Adverse weather conditions, including heavy rain, are forecasted for this weekend and could impact subway service. We have already begun preparations to safeguard the system from flooding. This includes the cleaning of subway drains, checking all subway pumps and pre-positioning personnel and equipment at flood prone locations. We may also move trains from their storage yards and store them underground instead.
In the event that weather does impact subway service, we will notify the media and post updates on our website. Please listen to local radio reports and check our website Please check http://www.mta.info/ for current 'Service Alert' information. Click on the flashing service alert triangle.
Posted on 9/5/2008 5:08:12 PM
QUOTE
To our customers:
Adverse weather conditions, including heavy rain, are forecasted for this weekend and could impact subway service. We have already begun preparations to safeguard the system from flooding. This includes the cleaning of subway drains, checking all subway pumps and pre-positioning personnel and equipment at flood prone locations. We may also move trains from their storage yards and store them underground instead.
In the event that weather does impact subway service, we will notify the media and post updates on our website. Please listen to local radio reports and check our website Please check http://www.mta.info/ for current 'Service Alert' information. Click on the flashing service alert triangle.
Posted on 9/5/2008 5:08:12 PM
NJ TRANSIT Prepares for Tropical Storm Hanna
Cross-honoring among all modes starting at 6 a.m. Saturday
Issued 5:00 p.m. Friday, September 5, 2008
NJ TRANSIT is preparing for Tropical Storm Hanna, which forecasters expect will bring heavy rain and high winds to New Jersey starting tomorrow morning.
NJ TRANSIT will make every effort to operate on a normal Saturday schedule during the storm. Additional NJ TRANSIT operations personnel will be stationed at key locations throughout the system to assist customers and respond to any weather-related disruptions caused by downed trees, flooding and overhead wire problems.
To give customers maximum travel flexibility, NJ TRANSIT will offer full, systemwide cross-honoring on Saturday, September 6, beginning at 6 a.m. Cross-honoring enables customers to use their NJ TRANSIT ticket or pass on any travel mode (bus, rail and light rail) for comparable trips. For example, a customer who normally commutes from Rutherford to New York via bus would have the option of taking the train using their bus pass.
As with any severe weather event, customers are strongly encouraged to check the Travel Alerts section of NJ TRANSIT's website, http://www.njtransit.com/ , prior to departing for up-to-the-minute travel advisories or listen to broadcast traffic reports. NJ TRANSIT's website also can be accessed from any web-enabled mobile device.
Customers are urged to allow extra travel time and take special care during severe weather.
Cross-honoring among all modes starting at 6 a.m. Saturday
Issued 5:00 p.m. Friday, September 5, 2008
NJ TRANSIT is preparing for Tropical Storm Hanna, which forecasters expect will bring heavy rain and high winds to New Jersey starting tomorrow morning.
NJ TRANSIT will make every effort to operate on a normal Saturday schedule during the storm. Additional NJ TRANSIT operations personnel will be stationed at key locations throughout the system to assist customers and respond to any weather-related disruptions caused by downed trees, flooding and overhead wire problems.
To give customers maximum travel flexibility, NJ TRANSIT will offer full, systemwide cross-honoring on Saturday, September 6, beginning at 6 a.m. Cross-honoring enables customers to use their NJ TRANSIT ticket or pass on any travel mode (bus, rail and light rail) for comparable trips. For example, a customer who normally commutes from Rutherford to New York via bus would have the option of taking the train using their bus pass.
As with any severe weather event, customers are strongly encouraged to check the Travel Alerts section of NJ TRANSIT's website, http://www.njtransit.com/ , prior to departing for up-to-the-minute travel advisories or listen to broadcast traffic reports. NJ TRANSIT's website also can be accessed from any web-enabled mobile device.
Customers are urged to allow extra travel time and take special care during severe weather.
CSX Customer News - 9/6/08 11:06 am
Service Bulletin - Hanna Update
With Tropical Storm Hanna's landfall early Saturday in the Carolinas, CSX is now returning to normal operations in that area. No significant service issues have occurred, and operations are being restored once track inspections are conducted. Consistent with normal practices, CSX services in the northern path of Hanna will continue to be modified to keep employees safe and minimize customer impacts. CSX preparations included securing equipment, staging materials and making arrangements, if necessary, to redirect shipments.
Service Bulletin - Hanna Update
With Tropical Storm Hanna's landfall early Saturday in the Carolinas, CSX is now returning to normal operations in that area. No significant service issues have occurred, and operations are being restored once track inspections are conducted. Consistent with normal practices, CSX services in the northern path of Hanna will continue to be modified to keep employees safe and minimize customer impacts. CSX preparations included securing equipment, staging materials and making arrangements, if necessary, to redirect shipments.
WTOP radio, 9/6:
Metro's advice: Stay home Saturday
September 5, 2008 - 11:56am
WASHINGTON -- Metro's advice during Tropical Storm Hanna -- stay home.
"The best thing for people to do is to stay home and not go anywhere," says Metro spokesman Steven Taubenkibel. "If people do have to go out and do have to catch a Metrobus or ride Metrorail, we want people to use extreme care and caution."
Continue.
QUOTE
Metro's advice: Stay home Saturday
September 5, 2008 - 11:56am
WASHINGTON -- Metro's advice during Tropical Storm Hanna -- stay home.
"The best thing for people to do is to stay home and not go anywhere," says Metro spokesman Steven Taubenkibel. "If people do have to go out and do have to catch a Metrobus or ride Metrorail, we want people to use extreme care and caution."
Continue.
WTOP radio is reporting that MetroRail Blue and Yellow line service was shut down between Reagan National Airport and Braddock Rd due to standing water. Service was out for about 30 minutes until "stand-by" crews were able to pump the water away fro the area.
Ross
Ross
QUOTE(CNJRoss @ Sep 5 2008, 05:38 PM)
VRE Trainttalk, 9/5:
Tropical Storm Hanna Expected
SNIP
We will make an announcement on Sunday by 6:00p (September 7) letting our riders know if there will be any changes to our service on Monday, September 8. . . .
VRE Train Talk, September 7, 2008 5:57 PM
This message is for all VRE riders:
After checking with our host railroads, both our Manassas and Fredericksburg lines are operating normally after Tropical Storm Hanna. As a result, we will operate our full, regular schedule tomorrow, September 8.
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