Snow Expected to Impact the Hudson Valley, New York City and Long Island Starting
Tuesday Morning Metro-North to Operate on a Modified Schedule with Some Changes to
Peak Service MTA Crews will be Prepositioned to Respond to any Weather-Related Issues
View Photos of Weather Preparations and News Conference
View Video of MTA Leadership Detailing Weather Preparations
View Video of Weather Preparations at Michael J. Quill Bus Depot
With up to 12 inches of snow expected throughout Metro-North territory and snowfall expected in New York City and Long Island beginning early Tuesday morning, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) today detailed all-agency preparations being made to keep customers and employees safe, while delivering as much reliable service as possible.
“We have a detailed plan in place to protect our network and deliver safe service throughout the storm for all customers. We encourage riders across all modes to keep a close eye on all our usual customer service channels,” said MTA Chair and CEO Janno Lieber. “I want to thank our incredible workforce in advance for their efforts. They always rise to the occasion and this latest storm will be no different.”
MTA employees will be deployed throughout the operating region spreading salt and clearing surfaces of snow, keeping signals, switches, and third rails operating, and attending to any weather-related challenges.
Customers should monitor service on mta.info, the TrainTime app, the MYmta app, and the MTA’s social media feeds.
Metro-North Railroad
Metro-North will operate on a modified schedule with some changes to morning and evening peak and branch line service. Customers are encouraged to check mta.info or the TrainTime app for more detailed information about these changes and any other possible weather-related service changes or delays.
Snow-fighting equipment is winterized, tested, and strategically positioned at facilities around the system.
Protective heat circuits are being verified to be operational, air brake lines are being purged of any moisture to prevent them from freezing, and electric trains are being fitted with special third rail shoes to prevent snow from accumulating. Switches – the interlocking tracks that allow rail traffic controllers to route trains from one track to another – use electric switch heaters to melt snow.
New York City Subway
While the underground portions of the subway system remain unaffected during snowstorms, there are nearly 220 miles of outdoor track throughout the boroughs. The Rockaway , Sea Beach , Flushing , Brighton and Dyre Av lines are particularly vulnerable to snow and freezing precipitation. To prevent subway trains from being blocked in yards, they may be moved and stored underground.
NYC Transit’s Department of Subways has a fleet of emergency response equipment including debris trains and de-icer trains ready to deploy and respond to icy conditions. Crews are monitoring switches and tracks to ensure they are working properly, along with salting and clearing snow from elevated station platforms, exposed stairs and subway entrances.
Field personnel are staged at critical locations including stations and yards, ready to deploy and respond to snow conditions.
New York City Buses
All 40-foot standard buses and articulated buses will be fitted with chains ahead of the Tuesday morning rush hour. Articulated buses will be taken out of service overnight and replaced by 40-foot standard buses. All divisions will have extra personnel on duty to deal with issues that arise during the storm.
NYC Transit has 35 snow-fighting vehicles in its fleet, that will be strategically staged ahead of the storm and operate on predetermined routes to quickly reach terminals, lay-over locations and other highly trafficked areas. Certain areas will be salted in an effort to prevent any stuck buses.
Bus service will be adjusted based on road conditions around the city and service curtailments on a route-by-route basis are possible. Bus managers have technology that tracks headways and service in real time allowing them to make service-related decisions more efficiently.
MTA Bridges and Tunnels
MTA Bridges and Tunnels personnel have activated full inclement weather preparedness for all facilities and the Operations Command Center Weather Desk will monitor the forecast. Staff will coordinate ahead of the storm to ensure a quick response to any weather-related issues that may arise. Almost 9,100 tons of roadway de-icer and 115 pieces of equipment are ready for deployment.
Bridges are equipped with embedded roadway sensors which measure temperature and above-ground atmospheric sensors that deliver real-time information on wind velocity, wind direction, humidity, and precipitation via wireless communication.
Restrictions may be put in place if weather conditions warrant.
Long Island Rail Road
Long Island Rail Road crews will be out across the service territory working to keep trains moving. De-icing trains will be running to keep third rails clear of snow and ice, while crews will be strategically positioned throughout the system helping to keep switches clear and operable.
Crews have equipment on hand to be able to respond quickly as conditions warrant – chainsaws for clearing downed trees, pumps in the event of flooded areas, identifying locations and availability of supplies for replacing damaged utility poles and crossing gates. Diesel locomotives will also be pre-positioned to minimize any potential service impacts.
Personnel will survey and clear drainage areas where necessary, fortify key locations as well as any track structures requiring attention.
Those who must travel are urged to be cautious on station staircases and platforms, as well as when boarding and exiting trains.
Access-A-Ride
Access-A-Ride paratransit will continue to provide service. Customers may experience additional delays and wait times. Customers may want to consider adjusting their travel plans.
Paratransit Command Center will be monitoring the storm to track and respond to any customer or day-of service issues.