(Norfolk Southern issued the following news release on September 18.)
NORFOLK, Va. — The effects of Hurricane Isabel continue to be felt along coastal area in North Carolina and Virginia. As the storm moves inland heavy rains may cause severe flooding along the Potomac, Susquehanna and Delaware river basin, as well as smaller streams in New Jersey and Delaware and the eastern parts of Maryland, Virginia and North Carolina and the commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
Over the next 48 hours, operations in several key market areas in the northeast will be impacted due to high winds, heavy rain, and flooding. This includes operations in Maryland, Delaware, and Pennsylvania, particularly on Friday.
Personnel, equipment and supplies such as ballast that may be needed for track clearing or repair have positioned near the area so that operations can be estored to normal as quickly as possible and as conditions allow.
Customers with shipments to or from these areas should expect delays. For information on specific shipments, please contact the National Customer Service Center (800) 635-5768.
Special note to customers with committed service agreements: Force majeure was invoked effective 6:00 PM (Eastern), September 17, on all traffic moving to, from or through Eastern Virginia and Eastern North Carolina and continues in effect. Effective 3:00PM, September 18, force majeure is extended to include New Jersey, Delaware and Pennsylvania.