Brace yourself for a winter storm that's set to turn our weekend into a snowy, frigid challenge—and it's going to shake up your travel plans. But here's where it gets tricky: while we're all hoping for a cozy weekend indoors, some of us might still need to venture out. So, how is the MTA preparing, and what does this mean for your commute? Let’s dive in.
Updated January 24, 2026, 1:33 a.m.
This weekend’s winter storm is expected to bring heavy snow and bone-chilling temperatures, but the MTA is gearing up to keep things moving as smoothly as possible. Crews are already hard at work, salting station platforms, deploying snow-fighting equipment, and closely monitoring tracks and switches. And this is the part most people miss: it’s not just about clearing the snow—it’s about ensuring every train and bus can operate safely, even in the worst conditions.
However, safety comes first. Here’s the controversial part: the MTA is advising riders to avoid travel on Sunday and Monday, when the storm is expected to peak. But if you absolutely must travel, here’s what you need to know:
- Plan for delays: Give yourself extra time to reach your destination.
- Stay cautious: Be extra careful on stairs, platforms, and when boarding or exiting vehicles—slippery conditions can sneak up on you.
- Stay informed: Check the MTA or TrainTime apps, or visit our website for real-time service updates.
- Ask us anything: Use the in-app chat feature if you have questions about service changes.
Now, let’s break down the specific service changes across all MTA systems:
Subway
Some express trains will make local stops this weekend to accommodate storm preparations. Interestingly, many planned service changes have been canceled altogether. For the full list, check out the Weekender here.
Buses
Expect longer wait times for local buses. The MTA will temporarily pull some buses from service to equip them with snow chains before the storm hits, and articulated buses will be sidelined during the storm itself. Bold question: Could this lead to overcrowding on the remaining buses? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.
Long Island Rail Road (LIRR)
The LIRR will operate on a modified Sunday schedule, with a few key changes:
- No service between Ronkonkoma and Greenport.
- Reduced Babylon Branch service, with no direct trains to or from Grand Central.
Additionally, the following planned changes have been proactively canceled for this weekend and into next week:
- Brooklyn weekend service suspension
- Kew Gardens, Forest Hills, Woodside westbound weekend bypassing
- Montauk weekday overnight busing
- Elmont-UBS Arena, Queens Village, Hollis midday westbound bypassing on Monday
Metro-North Railroad
Metro-North will run hourly service on the Hudson, Harlem, and New Haven lines on Sunday. The New Canaan, Danbury, and Waterbury branches will stick to their regular weekend schedules. However, West of Hudson service on the Port Jervis and Pascack Valley lines will be suspended starting at 2 p.m. on Sunday. For updates, visit NJTransit’s website here.
On Monday, trains will follow a Saturday schedule, with additional rush hour trains added. For detailed information, check the TrainTime app.
Final Thoughts
While the MTA is doing its best to keep services running, this storm is a reminder of the challenges winter weather can bring. Thought-provoking question: Are our transit systems prepared enough for extreme weather events, or is there more we could do? Share your opinions below—we’d love to hear from you. Stay safe, stay warm, and thanks for riding with us.
