Recent heavy rains and flooding in Missouri is tying up rail access for Union Pacific and Amtrak.
Union Pacific in a service announcement detailed the effects of weekend storms on its operations in the state and around St. Louis.
"Severe weather over the weekend and heavy rains this week across the Midwest continue to impact service across our network.
"The Meramec River near St. Louis is rising rapidly, leading to additional flooding and cutting off rail access from St. Louis to Jefferson City, Missouri. Several areas of track are currently underwater, with water levels continuing to rise as additional rain is forecast for Wednesday and Thursday. We expect the outage along this corridor to last several days, and we will begin assessing damage when flood waters recede. Customers can expect delays as trains are being rerouted to avoid the impacted area.
"Service remains suspended between St. Louis and Poplar Bluff, Missouri; and Mt. Vernon and Chester, Illinois. Work to repair damage caused by washouts and mudslides along these areas of track continues where it is safe to do so.
"Generators are in place and electrical power has been restored to the area surrounding Pratt, Kansas. Service is returning to normal levels."
Amtrak suspended service across Missouri due to flooding, and did not specify when service would be restored. Local reports said ticketed passengers traveling between St. Louis and Kansas City would go by bus, which would also likely be delayed operating around flooded areas.
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