The first major snowstorm of 2025 just hit Long Island last night. We got at least 1-3 inches in most parts, some getting 2-4. I think a nice little snowstorm to really start us off. However, transportation in the area has definitely had a rough morning.
While the LIRR didn’t have to suspend any branches this morning, there was equipment trouble on the Montauk Branch, and switch trouble on the Ronkonkoma Branch, therefore really screwing up those who needed to go in today. Many Ronkonkoma Branch trains were delayed, including 2 in a row, and if this was on a normal weekday, I don’t think the LIRR would’ve gotten away with it, but since it’s a holiday, things were alright. One of my favorite trains, #7, which had already had a rough run between Montauk and Speonk, got even more delayed by having to receive substitute equipment at Speonk. It ended up arriving into Long Island City 50 minutes late.
All in all, The South Shore did a nice job this morning. And, the LIRR did a good job with communication, however, I definitely think for those unlucky people who do have to go in, it’s not a great start, however, I think the LIRR did a good job managing the chaos.
To make things even worse, train #1619 collided with a vehicle just west of Syosset, further screwing up the morning rush hour for Port Jefferson Branch riders. Multiple Port Jefferson trains got canceled at Huntington or Hicksville, and other trains racked up a lot of delay minutes. Another notable thing to note is that train #608, (the 7:53am from Jamaica to Port Jeff) ended up getting renumbered to #608CMBX and ended up making all the local stops between Jamaica and Hicksville.
As of the time of writing, service has pretty much gone back to normal, train #61, (the 9:40 from Patchogue), is cancelled because of #60 getting cancelled, but other than that, things have pretty much gone back to normal.
I’m hoping as people go back to work after the long weekend, things will go back to normal, and I hope the LIRR continues to do a better job managing all the chaos, especially at 6:00 in the morning!