Winter storm related delays and cancellations Winter 2022-2023

[skylar]

Dinty Moore Beef Stew for everybody, including coach passengers, if a delay extends into a 2nd meal period. It may be served over rice to stretch it. They also have snack packs to hand out for the 1st meal period.

As a vegetarian, I'm glad that I always pack some snacks of my own, just in case.

 

[Reay]

Back in 2012, during an oil boom, I took my second Amtrak trip on EB, in many years; from Williston, ND to PDX. The train was delayed, presumably by freight traffic, for over 12 hours so had to find a motel for the night. No smaln task, that. There was a further delay the next day. Some passengers, not Amtrak, bought a few pizza's and were kind enough to share. There was a further delay in getting to Pasco. Amtrak or the crew did purchase some KFC, and we had a "complimentary" dinner which I thought was a nice touch.

The trip was otherwise very nice, and introduced me to Oregon, and the pleasure of the Amtrak
[WDot/Odot] Cascades route from Portland to Seattle on the return circle. Now retired and residing in EUG, still booking Amtrak. Had a nice trip this summer revisiting Pasco overnight, via the Cascades to Albany (another freight stoppage delay). The Thruway bus finished getting us all to Portland, and a nice overnight to catch the EB up the scenic Columbia Gorge. After a rental car trip from Pasco to Denver Metro, and nice family reunions, returned to Eugene by way of the CZ and Coast Starlight. Splurged on a Roomette for both legs, and decided that is the way to go, when my budget allows.

I know delays are an unfortunate part of part of long route passenger train service in the US. Knowing such, I find each one provide some unexpected surprises. It helps to build more time into the trip, relax and enjoy such adventures.

 

[AmtrakBlue]

Amtrak should have trucked food from Oakland. Oh , wait that would be a cost.

Or more likely the roads were blocked by flooding.

 

[Devil's Advocate]

They just canceled todays l AutoTrain.

"Cancelled because of delays" has to be the the laziest symptom-focused alert ever. Amtrak is becoming the Southwest Airlines of train travel.

Unfortunately, this is a trip paid fully by points. In that case, what can I expect?

When I've lost points to bad timekeeping I've explained the situation and often received my points back. Sometimes they stick to their guns but other times I think the small print is mainly used to dissuade people from making reasonable requests and those who ignore it (without getting rude) receive better service.

I think it took the threat of legal action from Sound Transit and Amtrak to get BNSF to shore up the hillside.

It took another taxpayer bailout that spent public money to protect a private rail line.

 

[Rover]

https://www.accuweather.com/en/severe-weather/live-news/live-updates-bomb-cyclone-unleashing-flooding-mudslide-dangers-in-california/1434478

 

[jis]

This is presumably due to continued flooded tracks between Sacramento and Redding?

 

[Rover]

This is presumably due to continued flooded tracks between Sacramento and Redding?

The weather radar shows the heavy rains north of SAC, with Redding being in the Bullseye.

 

[allanorn]

Coast Starlight: Train 11 cancelled tonight and tomorrow (1/9), plus Train 14 cancelled on 1/9 and 1/10 due to upcoming storms.

There has been some nasty weather forecasted for north of LAX so I'm not surprised.

 

[Metra Electric Rider]

I remember looking at Donner Pass and the snow fall amounts last year and they were pretty amazing about now - seems like they are similar. But is that the cause of delays through the Sierra's or is it the flooding in the Central Valley that's the problem?

We were tracking the snow through this, among other sites: UC Berkeley CSSL

 

[allanorn]

I remember looking at Donner Pass and the snow fall amounts last year and they were pretty amazing about now - seems like they are similar. But is that the cause of delays through the Sierra's or is it the flooding in the Central Valley that's the problem?

We were tracking the snow through this, among other sites: UC Berkeley CSSL

Coastal Central CA is likely getting walloped by a moderate-to-severe atmospheric river on Monday and Tuesday. The CS is ocean-front for a large portion between Ventura and San Luis Obispo. (adding: there will probably be effects from LAX through to San Francisco and Sacramento.)

From the NWS Oxnard forecast discussion (bolding mine):

To highlight the heavy rainfall potential, NWS WPC now has a
moderate risk for much of the area between Monday and Tuesday,
and Tuesday through Wednesday across the Transverse Range. Peak
rainfall rates are expected to range between 0.50 to 1.00 inch
per hour across the region, but local rates in excess of 1 inch
per hour are certainly possible in favored orographic areas and
near thunderstorms. Rainfall amounts have been increased from 2-5
inches for coasts and valleys to 5-9 inches for the mountains and
foothills. Local amounts to 12 inches are possible along the
south-facing slopes and foothills. Given the recent wet pattern,
some rivers will likely reach at least minor flood stage with the
expected rainfall amounts. Areas of concerns from NWS CNRFC
suggest the Salinas, Sisquoc, and Ventura Rivers possible
approaching or exceeding flood stage, but many creeks and washes
will likely be flowing or normally dry washes. Snow levels will
be above 8000 feet for the most significant precipitation,
although they will drop rapidly behind the front Tuesday afternoon
and evening.

With 850 mb winds forecast to increase to 40-65 knots, high wind
watches were converted to high wind warnings as there is a high
likelihood of damaging wind gusts. High wind warnings will start
as soon as midnight tonight for most areas north of Point
Conception and into the Transverse Ranges. A later start is
forecast for areas to the south, with High Wind Warnings going
into effect late Monday morning for the Los Angeles County
mountains and the Antelope Valley. Wind advisory have also been
issued for the remaining coastal and valley areas beginning late
Monday morning.

 

[Rover]

Dangers to life, property remain high in California as storm onslaught continues

AccuWeather meteorologists warn that a moisture-packed system set to arrive early this week could be the strongest in a Pacific storm train that has been rolling since the end of 2022.

https://cms.accuweather.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/CaliRisk18.jpg?w=632

https://www.accuweather.com/en/weather-forecasts/dangers-to-life-property-remain-high-in-california-as-storm-onslaught-continues/1465584

 

[kangforpres]

I have a trip on the Zypher on Sat. 01-14. From EMY to RNO, keeping my fingers crossed the UP can keep the Donner Summit route opened and operational.

 

[allanorn]

They closed 101 and all of the other routes across the Transverse Range west of Ventura, and I'm hearing of 4-inch totals and flash flood warnings covering the CS route - so the two-day cancel of the CS at least south of EMY was a good idea.

 

[Metra Electric Rider]

They closed 101 and all of the other routes across the Transverse Range west of Ventura, and I'm hearing of 4-inch totals and flash flood warnings covering the CS route - so the two-day cancel of the CS at least south of EMY was a good idea.

Is that 4" of rain???

 

[zephyr17]

Is that 4" of rain???

Well, at Ventura it sure as heck would not be snow.

 

[Metra Electric Rider]

Well, at Ventura it sure as heck would not be snow.

It would have been a true freak storm - but I had to be sure...

 

[Bob Dylan]

Well, at Ventura it sure as heck would not be snow.

Has it ever Snowed in LA???( not the Mountains around it)

 

[zephyr17]

Has it ever Snowed in LA???( not the Mountains around it)

It has snowed up in Pasadena and like La Canada/Flintridge at very rare intervals, but they've got a bit elevation. Down next to the ocean? Never.

 

[allanorn]

Is that 4" of rain???

Yes. Entirely rain. As of 6pm Pacific, Lompoc has received 5.16" over two days. Santa Barbara is over 6". San Luis Obispo Airport is currently at 4.25". Some of the mountains have received over 10". The entire town of Montecito (in the hills above Santa Barbara) is under evacuation warnings for flooding - and has received over 7".

One has to wonder if the CS and Surfliners may be delayed because of track and/or ballast damage.

Has it ever Snowed in LA???( not the Mountains around it)

The last time it snowed in San Diego was 1967 - 1/4". Apparently it was pandemonium on the freeways.

Considering how badly people out here drive in mist/light rain, I can believe it.

 

[Dan O]

Just got word my train 785 to Santa Barbara is cancelled. Was to connect to a bus to Emeryville to the California Zephyr and Lakeshore limited to NYC.
The Coast starlight is cancelled tomorrow too. I'd just reschedule a bit later in the year but whole point of going in January is that I'll be going with my daughter and son in law from Emeryville to NYC together. They are in the Bay area so don't need to worry about this cancellation.
Looking at bus/train/bus from LA to connect in Sacramento.

 

[Dan O]

Still on hold over an hour. I guess I have to modify through AGR, right,?

 

[allanorn]

Just got word my train 785 to Santa Barbara is cancelled. Was to connect to a bus to Emeryville to the California Zephyr and Lakeshore limited to NYC.
The Coast starlight is cancelled tomorrow too. I'd just reschedule a bit later in the year but whole point of going in January is that I'll be going with my daughter and son in law from Emeryville to NYC together. They are in the Bay area so don't need to worry about this cancellation.
Looking at bus/train/bus from LA to connect in Sacramento.

CS that was departing LAX tomorrow will originate in EMY. CS that leaves from SEA tomorrow will terminate at EMY on the 12th.

 

[west point]

Has it ever Snowed in LA???( not the Mountains around it)

But it neve rains in southern California. But it pours !!!

Watch: Riders Forced Onto Golf Carts as Storm Floods Los Angeles’ Main Train Station

Albert Hammond - It never rains in Southern California - Bing video

 

[Bob Dylan]

But it neve rains in southern California. But it pours !!!

Watch: Riders Forced Onto Golf Carts as Storm Floods Los Angeles’ Main Train Station

Albert Hammond - It never rains in Southern California - Bing video

WOW, first time I've ever heard of this happening @ one of my favorite Stations!

 

[allanorn]

WOW, first time I've ever heard of this happening @ one of my favorite Stations!

Apparently Union Station had a 3"/hr rain rate going on for a while. Doubt it was ever made to handle those kinds of sustained rains.

Based on some of the latest forecasts I'm seeing, I would have backup plans for anyone riding trains in California except for the SL and SWC for the next ten days (through to January 20th). Nothing official from Amtrak yet, but there are at least two more atmospheric rivers forecast to hit various parts of CA, including this weekend in SoCal.