The anticipated blizzard-like, white-out conditions from Winter Storm Hercules that’s expected to deposit 6-10 inches of snow, or more, on Long Island has the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) running on a weekend schedule effective 12:01 a.m. on Friday, Jan. 3.

Anyone who can stay in should as Governor Andrew M. Cuomo has declared a State of Emergency in New York. If travel is absolutely necessary, there will be LIRR service available, however, there is no train service between Greenport and Ronkonkoma and on the West Hempstead Branch.

As an alternative, bus service will be provided between Greenport and Ronkonkoma to customers and customers for the West Hempstead Branch can use the Hempstead, Lynbrook, Valley Stream or Merillon Avenue stations. The last train to West Hempstead is the 12:15 a.m. train from Atlantic Terminal Friday morning.

Should snow accumulate to 10-13 inches, it may require the LIRR to temporarily suspend service.

The LIRR has prepared for this winter storm with station platforms pre-salted, switch heaters activated, snow removal equipment deployed to key locations, and the operation of special anti-freeze trains so the tracks are coated with de-icing to prevent ice build-up on the rails. Additional staff is also in place at key locations for fast response to problems that may arise.

Even with LIRR service running, customers are advised to allow extra time for travel and to use caution when boarding and exiting trains as well as on train platforms and stairwells.

Continue to visit LongIsland.com for up-to-date information on the latest forecast, traffic advisories, and school closings.

[Source: MTA]

Photo courtesy of BlastOButter42, via Wikimedia Commons.

Video of snow clean up via the LIRR's Official YouTube Page.