Weather can cause delays in train travel when snow or ice block railroad tracks or make them slippery, or during the summer when droughts can create fire risks if tracks are not kept clear of weeds and debris. The build-up of leaves in the fall can also cause delays because crushed leaves can cause tracks to become slick.
Signal failures can be caused by electrical problems and will cause trains to be delayed. Power outages on trains or at stations will also disrupt train services. Mechanical failures may also cause delays if a train's locomotive is not working properly.
Many passenger train companies do not own the tracks on which they operate. This means other trains may have the right of way and a passenger train may need to pull aside to wait for a freight train to pass.
