What Happens When an Amtrak Train Hits a Snowbank at the Station

Last week’s snowstorm brought a solid stack of white stuff to much of the Northeast. The Amtrak station above—which has been identified as Rhinecliff, New York’s—wasn’t spared. So when a southbound train came screaming in, it was a physics problem come to life: what happens when a really fast, really big thing slams into a few yards of packed-in snow?

As the train hit the edge of the snowbank, kicking up a good wake, passengers took out their phones to capture the matchup. Nick Colvin, who shot this video, set his to slo-mo.

And then… well, I won’t spoil it. Let’s just say some physics lessons are more painful to learn than others.

Every day, we track down a fleeting wonder—something amazing that’s only happening right now. Have a tip for us? Tell us about it! Send your temporary miracles to cara@atlasobscura.com.