This graphics presentation was a big surprise to me. Yes, Amtrak stations in the northeast were built when close access to the waterfront was a good thing, but I didn’t realize how vulnerable they are to already existing flooding. If you like graphics and maps that clearly demonstrate how rising ocean levels, stronger waves, extreme weather events, and all of the other effects of climate change could seriously affect a major mode of transportation in the Northeast, click thru below.
Personal note: After 9/11, I spent six years commuting every week between NYC and Washington, DC. Another climate-related effect that hadn’t occurred to me is that very hot days make Amtrak’s overhead power wires sag. No wire connection and the train has to travel under alternative power which is 10-25% of the overhead wire-assisted speed. Even then, there were areas where high tides came remarkably close to the rail bed.
Abycats' Thoughts 