Metro Prepares For Hurricane Irene

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While there’s no track work planned on Metro this weekend, WMATA officials are at work preparing for the effects of Hurricane Irene.

According to Metro, crews have placed more than 2,000 sandbags at stations prone to flooding, including Cleveland Park, King Street, Southern Avenue, Navy Yard, Federal Triangle, Stadium-Armory, Foggy Bottom, Largo Town Center and Smithsonian.

Montgomery County stations aren’t included in the list of stations prone to flooding, however, crews are checking all drainage pumping stations and clearing drainage areas near stations and yards. Extra personnel will be on hand during the weekend.

“We’re putting all of our resources in place to address any issues that arise out of the extreme weather conditions this weekend,” said Metro General Manager and CEO Richard Sarles in a statement. “We will be updating our customers through our website, Twitter, email alerts and the media.”

Following is rider safety advice provided by WMATA:

• “Metro will provide service information throughout the storm online at wmata.com and via Twitter @wmata. Metrorail customers may also sign up for Metro alerts via email by visiting wmata.com or tune to broadcast traffic reports for service information.
• Metrobuses and MetroAccess vehicles will detour around downed trees and flooded streets, as necessary. Please allow additional travel time.
• Use caution on wet surfaces, including platforms and escalators.
• Do not carry open umbrellas within the Metrorail system.
• Customers are reminded to stand back from platform edges or curbs – especially given the potential for high winds during the storm.
• Bus customers are advised that NextBus results may be unreliable due to the system’s inability to reflect extreme road conditions.”