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UPDATE 9:30 p.m. Sunday: Metro-North railroads will remain closed on Monday, according to MTA spokesperson Marjorie Anders, who told News 12 Westchester that the extent of the damage caused by Hurricane Irene was too great for the trains to start running so soon.
"We are not in shape to operate," Anders said. "This storm really slammed us."
Anders said the Metro-North serves about 125,000 commuters.
Subways in New York City will start running at 6 a.m. and Grand Central Terminal will reopen Monday.
UPDATE: 6:40 p.m. The northbound ramp for Exit 8A on the New York State Thruway, NY Route 119/Saw Mill River Parkway, is closed, according to a release from the New York State Thruway Authority.
UPDATE: 1:02 p.m. Westchester County will end both Bee-Line bus and ParaTransit services starting Saturday at 6:00 p.m. In addition, Sunday service has also been cancelled. Service is expected to return Monday pending road and weather conditions.
Those with ParaTransit reservations for medical trips on Saturday evening and Sunday will receive a phone call to reschedule.
Service on routes 71 and 95 to Playland on Saturday have also been cancelled.
Gov. Andrew Cuomo ordered the MTA to immediately execute its hurricane plan, according to a notice on the MTA's website. The MTA will begin shutting down subway and bus lines shortly after 12 p.m. Saturday.
"The MTA will begin an incremental suspension of its subway, bus, and Long Island Rail Road and Metro-North railroad service beginning approximately eight hours prior to sustained 39 mph winds reaching the area," according to the notice.
No scheduled pickups will occur after 12 p.m. Saturday but Access-a-Ride will work with the Office of Emergency Management to provide vehicles for evacuation for the disabled. Access-a-Ride will not be in service on Sunday or Monday morning.
PELHAM, N.Y. The Metropolitan Transportation Authority issued a warning Friday morning about Hurricane Irene, which is currently headed to New York. The MTA has coordinated with the Governor's Office, Mayor's Office and regional Offices of Emergency Management, according to the statement.
The MTA might cancel both Metro-North and subway services because of the hurricane. MTA spokesperson Marjorie Anders said that the possibility of a shut down is likely.
Theres a very distinct possibility that that will in fact happen," Anders said. "When were going to pull the plug, we dont know. But were closely watching the storm.
"Because of the severity of the wind and rain associated with a hurricane, there may be partial or full shut down of our services to ensure the safety of our customers and employees," according to the statement.
The MTA also said that it is prepared to evacuate if the governor and mayor decide it is necessary to do so.
The MTA has arranged to bring in more personnel this weekend in preparation for the hurricane. The organization will clean drains, secure work sites, prepare equipment and increase supplies. The MTA has also prepared to move equipment and supplies if necessary.
Check back for more updates on the hurricane and its effect on train services.
If the MTA does shut down the Metro North during the hurricane, how will that affect you? Comment below, on Facebook or Twitter.
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