Northeast Blizzard Disrupts NYC Commuter Rail

Uncertainty remains over Tuesday service on LIRR and NJ Transit as storm cleanup continues

Feb. 23, 2026 at 9:09pm

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A major winter storm pounded the Northeast on Monday, leading to widespread disruptions to commuter rail service in and around New York City. While some limited service has resumed, the timetable for a full return to normal operations remains unclear, especially for the Long Island Rail Road and New Jersey Transit.

Why it matters

The New York City region's commuter rail systems are vital transportation links for millions of workers, and extended service disruptions can have significant economic and social impacts. The storm highlights the challenges transit agencies face in maintaining reliable service during extreme weather events.

The details

Metro-North service continued with delays through Monday, but the Long Island Rail Road suspended all service systemwide early in the storm. NJ Transit also suspended bus and commuter rail service. Transit officials said they need to wait for conditions to improve, especially on Long Island, before they can safely resume full service. Crews have been working to clear snow from tracks and signals, but the timing of a full service restoration remains uncertain.

  • The worst of the snowfall was winding down on Monday.
  • The Newark and Hudson-Bergen Light Rail lines resumed service late Monday afternoon.
  • The Rockaway Shuttle resumed around noon on Monday after an early-morning power outage.
  • The Staten Island Railway remained closed on Monday afternoon due to wind and snow.

The players

Janno Lieber

MTA chairman, who provided updates on the status of LIRR service.

MTA

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority, which operates the LIRR and other commuter rail services in the New York City region.

NJ Transit

The public transportation system serving New Jersey, which suspended bus and commuter rail service due to the storm.

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What they’re saying

“We need to wait for things to slow down on Long Island — where the winds have continued and the accumulation has continued — before we can safely set a time for the resumption of service.”

— Janno Lieber, MTA Chairman (nydailynews.com)

What’s next

Transit officials will continue to monitor conditions and work to restore full service as soon as it is safe to do so. The timing for a return to normal operations on the LIRR and NJ Transit remains uncertain.

The takeaway

This storm demonstrates the vulnerability of commuter rail systems to extreme weather events and the importance of transit agencies having robust emergency preparedness and response plans to minimize disruptions for passengers.