MTA prepares for season's first snowstorm

With up to six inches of snow or more expected to move into the area Monday night, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority is scrambling to ensure service continues to run as smoothly as possible.

Long Island Rail Road crews will be out working with de-icing trains 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, officials said.

Travel is discouraged Monday night, but for those who do need to get somewhere, officials urge caution on station staircases and platforms, as well as when boarding and exiting trains. 

"Crews will be pre-positioned as we monitor conditions for the duration of the storm, with the ability to respond quickly to any issues," LIRR interim president Catherine Rinaldi said, in a release. Commuters "should still plan some extra travel time and use TrainTime for real-time updates if they expect to travel later this evening and early tomorrow morning."

As far as subways going in and out of the city, underground portions are not expected to be affected, but the 220 miles of outdoor track could be — especially the Rockaway, Sea Beach, Flushing, Brighton and Dyre Avenue lines. 

Some trains will be moved underground from outdoor yards as a precaution, while de-icing trains will stay with outdoor tracks, switches and third rails to keep them clear of snow and ice. 

Bridges and tunnels will be at full alert, with more than 9,600 tons of roadway de-icer and 115 pieces of storm-fighting equipment readied and available for deployment, officials said. Bridges are equipped with embedded roadway sensors for temperature and above-ground atmospheric sensors that deliver real-time information on wind velocity, wind direction, humidity and precipitation through wireless communications.

Be mindful of slowdowns and closures, however, if weather necessitates it.