As The Weather Channel lays out right here in painstaking detail, a major hurricane is currently on course to hit the northeast this weekend. Hurricane Irene has the potential to be among the strongest storms to hit the area in decades, and concerns over a storm surge are rising. As with any major rainstorm, the subways are indeed vulnerable, and the MTA is currently working on plans concerning flood-prone areas of the transit system.
This afternoon, I checked in with the authority, and they issued the following statement in advance of the storm: “The MTA is working closely with the Governor’s Office, the Mayor’s Office, State, City and County OEMs to track the storm and begin coordinated preparations. Internally, we are making arrangements to bring in extra personnel over the weekend, preparing our facilities and infrastructure by clearing drains, securing work sites against possible high winds, checking and fueling equipment, stocking supplies, and establishing plans to move equipment and supplies away from low-lying areas as needed.”
Right now, a few days out, the storm is something the MTA appears to be taking seriously. After getting blindsided by a snow storm in December and impacted by rain a week or two ago, the threat of serious weather has Transit on alert. I’ll provide any updates that come my way as the week progresses (and, on an unrelated note, I’ll have a post up about the Straphangers’ latest report this evening).
