MTA Winter Storm Preparation Plans
As you know by now, yet another major snowstorm is expected to hit the region. The forecasts are calling for a decent amount of accumulation & it is safe to assume that mass transit will be affected in someway if the forecasts come through.
Earlier this afternoon, the MTA held a press conference to discuss their current storm preparation plans. Here are a few details from the conference:
NYC Transit has instituted Plan 4 which is where they expect 5 inches of snow or more & consists of the following:
Subways Storm Control Center in Brooklyn activated.
The operation of maximum length trains on all lines Including OPTO lines.
Underground storage in effect (Train cars normally stored outside are laid up underground mainly on express tracks aka express service not running for the most part.)
The activation of local storm centers.
Ice storm fighting equipment activated.
G.O.s aka service diversions and work trains will be cancelled where needed.
The Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) initially instituted a Level 3 in terms of plans which is where they have expectations of at least 9 inches. However this morning they upgraded to a Level 4 (mainly due to potential blizzard like winds) which consists of the following:
Ice storm or severe icing conditions that result from sleet or freezing rain may result in track and/or equipment failures; they also make walking outside quite dangerous. A blizzard is a storm that contains large amounts of snow or blowing snow, with continuous winds in excess of 35 mph and visibilities of less than a quarter mile. In the event that either occurs, train movement may be curtailed, especially if there are frozen switches or the loss of third rail power for electric trains. Icing can have a greater impact on travel conditions than heavy snowfall and can develop very quickly.
Bridges & Tunnels have instituted a Level 3 service plan & Metro-North Rail Road a Level 4 which consists of the same policies as the LIRR’s.
I will post information as I get it throughout the day & during the storm itself.
xoxo Transit Blogger
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