Thursday, October 1, 2026
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority is preparing for a weekend nor’easter expected to bring strong winds, heavy rain and coastal flooding to the New York area, with officials closely monitoring the Long Island Rail Road, vulnerable coastal areas, and bridges and tunnels.
MTA Chairman and CEO Janno Lieber said Friday that wind is currently the agency’s biggest concern, particularly after downed utility poles disrupted LIRR service earlier this week in Hicksville. The railroad has been in contact with PSEG Long Island and the Long Island Power Authority about inspecting utility poles in areas where the recent problems occurred.
“We don't want to see any more mishaps or disruptions on the Long Island Railroad or any other part of our system,” Lieber said.
LIRR President Rob Free said the railroad does not currently anticipate suspending service because of the storm, based on the latest forecast. He said the storm is expected to be more severe farther east, where the railroad has less service, and that those areas would likely be considered first if conditions ultimately require service reductions.
Free identified areas around Island Park and Far Rockaway as locations where the railroad will be watching conditions closely. The LIRR has pumps, high-water monitors and crews positioned in those areas in preparation for possible flooding.
The combination of saturated ground and high winds is also a concern because it can make trees more vulnerable to falling onto railroad tracks.
“You have to remember that you have the high winds and then rain,” Free said. “At some point, the ground becomes saturated, so the wind becomes that much more dangerous."
Across the MTA system, crews are being positioned at strategic locations so they can respond to downed trees, debris and other storm-related problems. The agency said it has debris trains, trucks and chainsaws ready to respond if conditions disrupt service.
Crews are also clearing drains, vents and catch basins, checking emergency generators and inspecting construction sites to ensure equipment is secured against high winds.
Lieber said the MTA will be monitoring conditions in real time and could adjust service if necessary.
The LIRR's recent experience with downed utility poles has heightened concerns about the potential impact of strong winds. Lieber said MTA officials have been communicating with PSEG Long Island leadership about inspections of poles, while LIPA has also been involved in the effort.
Lieber also said that MTA bridges and tunnels will ban empty tractor-trailers and tandem trucks from its crossings beginning at midnight Friday and continuing through the weekend because of the expected high winds. He said the restrictions are intended to reduce the risk posed by large, vulnerable vehicles on bridges exposed to the storm’s strongest winds.
