Update: Multiple Flooding Events Impacting BNSF Operations

Widespread flooding in the South and Midwest is causing significant disruptions to rail service and BNSF operations in the region. Multiple days of unrelenting rain have caused flooding across several states, including Arkansas, Missouri, Tennessee and Mississippi, as rivers reached near-record levels.

Several subdivisions went out of service over the weekend due to high water levels, flood-related damage to infrastructure, or both. As anticipated, flooding occurred on the Thayer Subdivisions (North & South), which run between Springfield, Missouri and Memphis, Tennessee, as well as the River Subdivision, which runs between St. Louis, Missouri and Memphis. Service was restored to the Thayer North Subdivision on Sunday; however, Thayer South and River are currently out of service due to washout-related mainline track and bridge damage. BNSF engineering teams have deployed all necessary resources to restore the damaged track and complete bridge reconstruction; Thayer South is expected to return to service early Friday morning, followed by River on Friday mid-afternoon. 

Damage to mainline track approximately 100 miles south of St Louis - River Subdivision - April 6, 2025

While BNSF operating teams are re-routing some trains, we are issuing embargoes to proactively manage traffic flows through this impacted area. You can view active embargoes at the Association of American Railroads (AAR) Embargo Railinc website here.  

While the rain has stopped falling, BNSF will continue to monitor water levels closely along the Mississippi and adjacent rivers and report any additional outages.

For shipment inquiries, please use the "Message Us" feature on the BNSF Customer Portal (registration and login required) or contact BNSF Customer Support at 1-888-428-2673. Additionally, please reach out to your BNSF marketing representative with any questions.  

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