Subway closure during storm: New York develops new hurricane plan
'15.09.2021'
Nurgul Sultanova-Chetin
The New York City Police Department (NYPD) may close subway stations in the face of major storms in the future to keep passengers from being trapped at flooded underground transport stops, reports AMNY.
“We know which stations flood when it rains heavily,” said Operations Chief Raymond Spinella. "We will either close these stations, or we will have additional police patrols prepared in advance in those specific places where we have historically experienced floods."
Hurricane Ida, which recently hit New York City, flooded the city's subways, hundreds of passengers were stuck in the subway for 14 hours... As a result, they managed to evacuate; there were no reports of injuries in the public transport system as a result of the hurricane.
Water poured out in a fountain through the hatch on the platform of the 28th Street station. Gov. Katy Hawkul described it as "the water level of Niagara Falls."
It's almost comical to say it at this point, but doing nothing is so obviously not an option. Inaction will cost so much more than passing a Green New Deal, creating a climate-resilient and 21st century infrastructure, and ending our dependence on fossil fuels. pic.twitter.com/pfosPKJr6C
- Ryan Hickey (@ryanryan_hi) September 2, 2021
Police and MTA will work together
NYPD has the power to close stations in an emergency. Police officers usually do this during criminal investigations. But according to the MTA, any warning closures are taking place in collaboration with the city's transport authorities.
“When handling any incident, someone on the spot must report the situation, and then a joint decision is made on how best to service the station, line, corridor,” the MTA said in a statement.
To close the station, it is necessary to act in a coordinated manner. Passengers entering the station and leaving the carriages must act together.
“We are glad that there will be more officers in the system,” MTA said.