Ready for the storm: How Norfolk Southern prepares for hurricane season

Hurricane season officially begins June 1, but Norfolk Southern’s preparation starts long before a storm is forecasted. Across the railroad’s 22-state network, teams work year-round to monitor weather conditions, inspect infrastructure, position resources and coordinate response plans designed to protect communities and the vital rail infrastructure that helps keep freight moving safely for our customers through severe weather.

“Preparedness is essential to how we operate through any severe weather, including hurricanes. Our teams collaborate closely and are focused on planning ahead, strengthening network resilience, and responding quickly when severe weather affects our service territory. Their dedication and professionalism ensure we continue delivering the safe, reliable service our customers depend on every day.” – Rob Dickson, AVP Network Operations Center

Coordinating preparation and response across the network

At the core of NS’ storm preparedness efforts is the company’s Atlanta-based Network Operations Center (NOC), which operates 24/7 to monitor train movements, weather conditions and network performance across the railroad.

During severe weather events, the NOC works closely with field personnel, track maintenance and operations teams to assess impacts, communicate changing conditions and coordinate response and recovery efforts across affected areas.

Preparation across the network includes both long-term planning and practical preventative work ahead of major storms. NS teams:

• Monitor weather forecasts and assess potential impacts across routes and facilities
• Inspect and secure critical infrastructure, like bridges, in historically vulnerable areas
• Strategically position personnel, equipment and resources ahead of severe weather
• Coordinate response plans with contractors and local first responder agencies designed to support safe and efficient service restoration

As part of a comprehensive seasonal readiness and response approach, Engineering's Maintenance of Way & Structures (MW&S) team strategically stockpiles materials in areas more susceptible to storm-related impacts and continually invests in drainage and culvert maintenance. In recent years, NS has also invested in company-owned equipment, including hi-rail excavators and related equipment, to strengthen readiness and help accelerate recovery efforts following severe weather.

NS’ hurricane preparedness efforts are part of a broader all-weather operating approach that enables the railroad to respond quickly to disruptive events — from hurricanes to winter storms — throughout the year. By preparing for a wide range of conditions, we strengthen network resiliency and stand ready to continue serving customers and communities across our system.

Our response to Hurricane Helene reinforces this approach in action, as teams restored service quickly and maintained critical freight flows — demonstrating the resiliency we continue to build for our customers.

Supporting communities when severe weather strikes

When severe weather impacts the communities Norfolk Southern serves, the company also provides financial support and resources to help recovery efforts move forward.

Key efforts include:

• The American Red Cross partnership: NS is a Disaster Responder Partner of the American Red Cross, committing $250,000 annually to support disaster response efforts nationwide. In 2025, NS gave an additional $100,000 to support flood recovery in West Virginia.
• Community Disaster Relief Grant Program: Launched in 2025, the program provides rapid support to nonprofit organizations delivering frontline assistance and critical resources to communities affected by severe weather and other emergencies. In 2025, NS gave $75,000 in disaster relief. The program is currently open through May 31, 2026, for recovery assistance projects related to the recent Georgia wildfires, and will reopen for future disaster events as needs arise.
• Employee support resources: NS also maintains programs designed to support employees and their families during qualifying disaster-related emergencies.

Through every season, Norfolk Southern’s priorities remain the same: keeping employees safe, supporting communities and maintaining reliable service for its customers.