By Railfan & Railroad Staff

TAMPA, Fla. — People and railroads across Florida were bracing for Hurricane Ian, a Category 4 storm that was expected to impact the Sunshine State’s west coast as early as Wednesday. 

The storm, which has already wreaked havoc on Cuba, was expected to be one of the most powerful ever to hit the United States. The storm could still strengthen to a Category 5, of which only two storms have that intensity has hit the United States in the last 30 years, according to the New York Times. 

Ahead of the storm, passenger railroads and freight railroads alike were bracing for impact. CSX Transportation and Norfolk Southern were both warning freight customers to expect service delays in and out of Florida in the coming days. Some facilities were being closed ahead of the storm as well. 

Amtrak was canceling all AutoTrain service between Lorton, Va., and Sanford, Fla., until at least Friday, and the Silver Star between New York and Miami until Saturday. SunRail commuter service in Orlando was canceled starting Wednesday and Brightline was running a modified service with only 12 departures.