How can external weather conditions affect railway operations?

External weather conditions play a significant role in influencing railway operations in a variety of ways. One of the most critical impacts includes the thermal expansion of tracks, which can occur during temperature fluctuations. This expansion can lead to track misalignment or even buckling, creating hazards that can disrupt service.

Additionally, adverse weather can introduce electrical failures, particularly in systems that are sensitive to moisture, like signaling equipment and train control systems. Rain, snow, and fog can severely affect visibility, making it difficult for train operators to see signals and other crucial markers along the tracks. This can lead to slower speeds or delays as safety measures are enacted.

In summary, weather conditions present several challenges that require railroads to implement safety protocols and measures to protect both their infrastructure and their passengers, thereby highlighting the extreme sensitivity of railway operations to external environmental factors.