I'm sure they have radar so they can look ahead but if there is warnings out there do they just stop and wait the weather out, or just pray for the best and move threw it?
2007-10-04 07:41:33 · 5 answers · asked by shell bell 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Weather
I don't mean a passanger train.
2007-10-04 07:53:01 · update #1
If there is very bad weather then the train will get cancelled and it will sit at the station. Trains don't have or need radar.
2007-10-04 07:44:44 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
A train is limited in where it can go. It has to stay on the tracks. The only two choices to a train is to continue or to stop. It takes a fully loaded train several thousands of feet to stop, that is why trains always have the right of way at a crossing, they can't stop like a car can.
The decision is up to the person in charge of the train, the engineer. He can consult with other people but just like a pilot, the decision to continue or to stop is usually theirs.
If there is information from the dispatcher that the track is damaged by the storm ahead of them then the engineer would be required to stop before the damage area.
In the case of very high winds or a tornado, it is very unlikely that a train will become airborne. What is more common is that empty train cars are blown off the tracks causing a derailment.
2007-10-04 08:53:39 · answer #2 · answered by Water 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Good question! I'm pretty sure they don't have radar, why would they? I'm almost certain they are in constant, or almost constant, contact with the people who make sure the trains are all where they are supposed to be.
I would imagine, if there is a tornado on an intercept path ahead, they would be instructed to stop and wait for it to pass. If one hasn't been detected, but the conductor or engineer visually sees one coming, they might have to make a judgement call, and advise their "headquarters" of the situation.
If it's just a storm, or tornado watch, I expect they just keep their eyes open, and keep on going. Not much other than a tornado or maybe a severe flood can hurt a train!
If it was my train, I'd be hoping for a tunnel to hide in!
2007-10-04 08:50:51 · answer #3 · answered by baymast13 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If a tornado hits a train it will spin and go in the air and crash on the ground. People from the train station will see on the radar the location that the train is in where the tornado was..
2007-10-04 07:46:29 · answer #4 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Never thought of this...
Maybe they have enough weight to hold them down.
2007-10-04 09:22:23 · answer #5 · answered by Mustbe 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋