Hot off the presses, the MTA has just literally announced that due to the changes in the weather, Metro-North service will suspend all service as of noon.

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) is advising commuters to stay home, with service cancellations increasing as the storm conditions continue to worsen.

Metro-North Railroad will be suspending all service at noon because of increasing winds and heavy snow accumulations; the last trains will arrive at Grant Central Terminal and other terminals at approximately noon. Customers should check www.mta.info for exact schedules.

“Getting customers to their destination safely is our top priority,” said Metro-North President Joseph Giulietti, adding that blowing winds and accumulating snow will make it increasingly hard to keep the third rail clear and power running smoothly for the entire day.

Long Island Rail Road continues to operate a reduced morning service.

NYC bus service will begin running local starting at 7 a.m. and service will be curtailed on a route-by-route basis. ?

Above-ground service on the subway continues to be suspended and Access-a-Ride paratransit service is also suspended – other than extreme emergencies – as of 5 a.m.

All commuters traveling on along the MTA system are encouraged to stay home if possible as additional service changes may also be warranted. New Yorkers should exercise caution, avoid unnecessary travel and pay close attention to winter storm advisories as the day progresses.

“This storm is going to bring up to two feet of snow, blizzard-like conditions, and strong winds, to the New York City region” said MTA Interim Executive Director Ronnie Hakim. “While we know full cancellations are always an inconvenience, safety is paramount and we want to give customers enough notice to alter their plans.”

SUBWAYS @NYCTSubway:

Above-ground service on the subway and Staten Island Railway continues to be suspended. Please check the Underground Service Map for more details. Snow “sweeper” trains will continue to run above ground but will not be picking up passengers.

Elevators at more than two dozen stations have been shut down due to weather conditions.

All previously planned subway maintenance, rehabilitation and construction projects have been cancelled.

BUSES @NYCTBus:

NYC bus service will begin running local starting at 7 a.m. and service will be curtailed on a route-by-route basis. ?

RAILROADS (See @MetroNorth and @LIRR):

LIRR is operating reduced service. Metro-North service will be suspended mid-morning with the last trains arriving around noon at Grand Central Terminal.

Anti-freeze trains have been deployed throughout the systems to spray de-icer on the third rail along LIRR, where the rail is exposed, in an effort to prevent ice-build-up; non-passenger patrol trains will operate along the right-of-way to prevent snowdrifts from forming on the tracks. At stations, extra personnel have salted and cleared platforms of snow. Waiting rooms are being kept open around the clock on Long Island to provide shelter for customers and selected rooms are kept open at Metro-North stations. Scheduled maintenance work has been canceled during the storm.

BRIDGES AND TUNNELS:

Bridges and Tunnels will remain open. Pedestrian walkways will close once sustained winds reach 40mph; All bridges will close to trucks when sustained winds reach 50mph and all traffic will be barred at 60mph.

Approximately 350 maintenance and operations personnel will be deployed during the storm, including about 270 specifically for snow-fighting. Electronic weather sensors are functional at all facilities to monitor weather and roadway conditions in real time. There are more than 9,000 tons of roadway de-icer on hand and more than 100 pieces of storm fighting equipment including trucks and plows are ready.

PARATRANSIT:

Paratransit service continues to be suspended – other than extreme emergencies. New York City Transit has also coordinated a procedure with New York City first responders and the Office of Emergency Management for rescuing customers on immobilized vehicles or those who develop medical needs during storms.