Mitigating Winter Storm Blair Impacts

Date
Jan 6, 2025

BNSF teams are responding to Winter Storm Blair impacts along the eastern portion of our Southern Transcon. As we communicated, the storm traveled through the area over the weekend and the resulting heavy snow and ice accumulation has created service challenges in the broader Kansas City area, with over 18 inches accumulating in 24 hours in some locations. 


Over a foot of snow accumulating in Logistics Park Kansas City - January 5, 2025

In preparation for these conditions, teams deployed their Winter Action Plans last week and train length restrictions were implemented to enhance train braking performance. These restrictions will stay in place until midweek this week until conditions are improved. Snow removal equipment has also been deployed throughout the area and teams are working around the clock to support facility recovery. With roads across the region impacted by snow and ice, snow coaches are being used to safely move our train crews where possible.  

During yesterday's storm, we also experienced a derailment near Congo, Missouri, east of Kansas City, just off our Marceline Subdivision. BNSF operating teams were able to restore service to one of the three impacted mainlines overnight, and we continue to reroute traffic around the impacted area.

As a result, customers should anticipate a 24-hour delay for early in-gates this week, with conditions expected to improve at the end of the week. We will continue to monitor conditions as the storm system moves through the St. Louis and Memphis areas and our teams are prepared to quickly address any additional impacts to the network.

As a reminder, if you have questions regarding a shipment(s), please utilize the Message Us feature on the BNSF Customer Portal (must be registered/logged in to access) or contact BNSF Customer Support at 1-888-428-2673.   

Thank you for your patience as these recovery efforts continue throughout our network. Please contact your BNSF marketing representative if you have any questions.

As always, we appreciate your business and the opportunity to serve as your freight transportation provider.