Minnesota is bracing for a severe winter storm, and as a result, Amtrak has announced the cancellation of certain train services this weekend. The bitterly cold air that is sweeping across Minnesota is already disrupting travel plans for many in the Midwest.
On Tuesday, Amtrak shared via X (formerly Twitter) that it will be suspending select Empire Builder and Borealis services, both of which operate out of St. Paul’s Union Depot, due to the anticipated extreme winter weather conditions.
An extreme cold warning has been issued, effective from 9 p.m. on Thursday until 11 a.m. on Friday, with wind chills expected to plummet between -35 to -45 degrees Fahrenheit. Additionally, an extreme cold watch will be in place starting Thursday and lasting until noon on Saturday, forecasting temperatures that could drop as low as -21 degrees.
According to the Twin Cities office of the National Weather Service, "For Thursday afternoon through Saturday morning, we are anticipating the coldest air since 2019." This statement emphasizes the severity of the situation and the urgency for residents to remain cautious.
Amtrak's Empire Builder service, which provides daily routes between Chicago and Seattle, has canceled both eastbound and westbound trains from Wednesday through Saturday to ensure the safety of its passengers and staff. Similarly, the Borealis service, which connects St. Paul and Chicago on a daily basis, has also been canceled on Thursday and Friday.
In light of these cancellations, Amtrak has informed customers that they can rebook their travel or receive refunds without any penalties, underscoring the company’s commitment to prioritizing the safety of both travelers and employees. Amtrak noted, "We are also coordinating with state and local authorities who are recommending that people refrain from traveling during this winter storm."
For those planning to be in the Twin Cities over the weekend, here is a detailed forecast as of Wednesday:
- Thursday: Expect mostly cloudy skies with wind gusts reaching up to 15 mph. The high temperature will be around 10 degrees, while the overnight low is expected to fall to -21 degrees. The extreme cold warning will commence at 9 p.m.
- Friday: The extreme cold warning remains in effect until 11 a.m. Winds will be about 10 mph, with a high temperature of -10 and an overnight low of -20.
- Saturday: Continue to brace for severe cold, with a mix of clouds and sunshine. The high will reach -1, and the overnight low will be -8. An extreme cold watch will last until noon.
- Sunday: Prepare for another bitterly cold day with a high of 4 degrees and an overnight low dipping to -12.
As we see these extreme weather conditions unfolding, it's imperative to consider how they impact travel and daily life. Are you prepared for such frigid weather? How do you think communities can better respond to such severe winter storms? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments!
