Automotive Network Update for Friday, April 24, 2026

Date
Apr 24, 2026

Operational Performance
A large, multi-state severe weather system moved across the Southern and Central Plains into the Midwest overnight, impacting a broad footprint from Texas to Illinois and surrounding areas. The operation experienced widespread impacts, with approximately 280 service interruptions affecting train flows across the Plains, driven by flash flooding, tornado activity and high winds. On the Southern Transcon, tornado warnings spanned more than 200 miles across the Emporia, Marceline, and Avard Subdivisions, requiring restricted speeds and reducing velocity through these areas.

Terminal operations were also impacted, including temporary shutdowns at the Argentine Yard and Logistics Park Kansas City (LPKC) in Kansas, as well as the Tulsa Yard in Oklahoma, due to tornado warnings and lightning. Teams are actively working to reduce congestion, meter traffic into terminals, and restore network fluidity.

In the Texas Panhandle, a separate incident on the Dalhart Subdivision involved a fire crossing the tracks Thursday evening, consistent with dry and windy conditions in the region, which briefly took the line out of service overnight. The track is now back in service, with normal traffic flows resuming this afternoon.

At the network level, overall service metrics remained relatively stable week over week. Car velocity improved slightly, while terminal dwell increased modestly, and local service performance improved, trending at 91%. 

Service Expectations for the Week Ahead
An active weather pattern will continue through the weekend, with periodic thunderstorms across the Southern Plains into the Midwest that may bring brief wind and rain impacts. Elevated fire risk in the western High Plains may also present isolated challenges. BNSF teams are monitoring conditions and are prepared to respond as needed.
 
As always, we thank you for your business and appreciate the opportunity to serve as your transportation service provider. We welcome your feedback and questions.