Skip to main content

‘Sun kinks:’ Something strange may be happening to Central Florida’s train rails

Scorching heat can ‘spaghettify’ steel tracks

Railroad (generic) (WDIV)

Scorching temperatures have been plaguing Central Florida over the past few days, with some areas seeing record-breaking heat.

Due to the extreme temperatures, SunRail announced Monday evening that all of its trains were running on a 10-15 minute delay.

According to Business Insider, intense heat can cause steel railroad tracks to expand and lengthen, making them appear almost like spaghetti.

This can cause the tracks to buckle under the stress, which can be a huge risk for trains operating on them. As such, these spots are called “sun kinks.”

Rail networks typically reduce the speed of their trains when the temperature goes over 86 degrees.

[BELOW: Will there be any relief from Florida’s crazy-high temperatures?]

An extreme heat watch has been issued for Tuesday as forecasters predict heat index values will reach 110-115 for several hours in the afternoon.

In the meantime, it’s also important to remember these safety tips to avoid heat exhaustion:

  • Never leave pets/children inside a parked vehicle
  • Drink water/stay hydrated
  • Reduce strenuous activities
  • Find shade or stay in A/C
  • Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing

Recommended Videos