Team of 12 Keeps Operations on Track During Winter Storm

Winter Storm Enzo brought frigid temperatures, ice, and snow to parts of the South, stretching from Texas to Florida earlier this winter. Meteorologists called it a once-in-a-lifetime snowstorm, with severe weather conditions forcing the closure of roads, schools, and some businesses.

Despite the challenges that a storm of this magnitude can cause, the Watco team at Freeport Industrial Rail was prepared. Just six months earlier, the team worked through another natural disaster — a hurricane.

General Manager Ricky Martinez said, “The storm was coming, but we still needed to find a way to serve our customer. We quickly assembled our team to stay overnight, purchased the necessary supplies, and reviewed our emergency response plan.”

A team of 12 volunteered to stay for 48 hours to spot and move railcars for this particular customer. Supplies secured ahead of time included gloves and snow removal equipment. Cots and air mattresses were set up to ensure everyone had a place to rest during their off time.

Assistant Manager Filimon Gonzalez helped coordinate mealtimes for the alternating shifts, preparing eggs and bacon for breakfast, hot dogs for lunch, and hamburgers for dinner. To pass the time off-duty, team members played board games.

Gonzalez said, “The team morale was excellent. Operations were slower than normal because of the weather, but everyone stayed safe and was happy to be there.”

Yardmaster Arturo Montemayor agrees. He said, “I was there for the hurricane and the winter storm. Both weather events brought their own challenges, but we still showed up and kept operations running for this customer.”