Hurricane Joaquin could be MTA’s biggest test since Sandy

Written by Jenifer Nunez, assistant editor
image description
A Pump Train siphoning water out of the Cranberry Street Tunnel in November 2012.
MTA New York City Transit / Leonard Wiggins

Should Hurricane Joaquin or its remnants track up the east coast, Metropolitan Transportation Authority's fortification itiative that came into play following the damage Superstorm Sandy wrecked to the system will be put to the test.

 

New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo has activated the State Emergency Operations Center in Albany, N.Y., to monitor severe weather that is anticipated to impact southern parts of New York state through the weekend. This weather is expected to include heavy rain, high winds and coastal flooding as Hurricane Joaquin makes it way up the east coast, potentially damaging the Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s (MTA) subway and commuter rail lines.

“As Hurricane Joaquin makes its way up the East Coast, New York is in a much better position today than we have ever been before – but when it comes to Mother Nature, you can never be too prepared,” Gov. Cuomo said. “That is why we are activating the State’s Emergency Operations Center and positioning critical resources across the state as we learn more about this developing storm. I urge New Yorkers to exercise caution and stay informed in the coming days.”

According to the National Hurricane Center, Hurricane Joaquin is a strong Category 3 storm. Hurricane Joaquin now has maximum sustained winds of 125 mph and maintains movement of six mph to the southwest, currently located near the Bahamas. Some forecast models show Joaquin tracking close to the eastern Atlantic coastline, which would bring additional heavy rain and high winds to New York state this weekend. In addition, water levels in coastal areas are expected to rise due to strong northeast winds preceding the storm, which increase the potential for widespread, moderate flooding on in downstate New York.

The subway system is preparing by filling sandbags, preparing and distributing generators, ensuring vehicles are fueled and ready and preparing and scheduling staff. If the storm continues to track for New York City, the MTA can deploy covers for the 540 openings into the subway system in Lower Manhattan (vent shafts, stairs, manholes, etc.).

The MTA has also installed large sandbags at Coney Island Yard to effectively protect the yard. Short-term mitigation efforts are taking place at South Ferry with the staircase closure and fiberglass vent covers. Additionally, MTA said the seawall installed in Broad Channel will help protect the A train track to the Rockaways that washed away during Sandy.

The Long Island Rail Road and Metro-North Railroad are monitoring the forecast of the storm carefully and making preparations throughout the regions they cover. The railroads are ensuring that employees are positioned to clear fallen trees, pump out water in areas known as prone to localized flooding, address conditions caused if any power outages should occur and operate standby diesel locomotives that are prepared at key locations to tow trains should any become disabled. The railroads are monitoring the stability of their electrical grids and substations with heightened awareness, confirming that all fuel facilities are fully stocked for adequate supply for the duration of the storm.

It is too early to say whether the railroads would need to suspend service if a powerful storm strikes the region. The railroads always operate with an eye to ensuring the safety of customers and employees and are prepared to suspend service in segments or in whole, if needed, in accordance with usual hurricane procedures. If flooding is predicted, the railroads would move trains away from low-lying storage areas.

 

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