For immediate release: August 3, 2020

Metro activates severe weather plan for Hurricane Isaias impacts, Cleveland Park Station to be closed Tuesday

Metro has activated its severe weather plan due to potential impacts in the region as Hurricane Isaias moves northward. The storm is expected to bring heavy rains and high winds throughout the region with the potential for flash flooding in areas.

Based on the current forecast, Metrorail, Metrobus and MetroAccess service will operate on a normal schedule. While every effort will be made to provide scheduled service, Metro customers are advised of the potential for weather-related delays and service adjustments. Customers who must travel should allow additional travel time. In addition, the following Metrorail service adjustments will be in effect from the start of service on Tuesday:

  • Cleveland Park Station will be closed, as the station's entrances are located in an area that is prone to flash flooding. The station will reopen when conditions allow. Customers should use Van Ness or Woodley Park stations as alternate boarding locations. Bus service is available along Connecticut Ave. NW.
  • The north entrance at King Street Station will also be closed Tuesday due to the potential for flooding. Customers should use the station's south entrance instead.
  • Bus detours will be announced on a route-specific basis through MeroAlerts email/text messages.

Metro's control centers will monitor the storm's impacts and are receiving regular briefings from the National Weather Service. While sustained wind speeds associated with Isaias are not expected to reach 45 mph in the Metro service area, Metro will closely monitor conditions and may suspend rail and bus service if wind speeds exceed 45 mph.

Today, in preparation for the storm, Metro took the following action:  

  • Placed sandbags around locations prone to water infiltration during heavy rain events.
  • Checked all drainage pumping stations that move water out of Metrorail's 100-miles of underground track. The system's 58 drainage pumping stations are capable of removing roughly 29,000 gallons of water per minute.
  • Adjusted schedules for maintenance personnel and supervisors to monitor critical locations, such as bus garages, parking garages, and flood-prone areas throughout the storm.
  • Ensured that drains are clear and loose items are secured.  

Service Information:

Metrorail

  • The rail system will operate between 5 a.m. and 9 p.m. Trains will operate normal service on all lines, every 15 minutes on the Red Line, every 20 on all other lines.
  • Cleveland Park Station will be closed Tuesday and reopen when conditions allow. Customers should consider Woodley Park or Van Ness stations as alternates.
  • The north entrance at King St-Old Town Station will be closed Tuesday; however, the station will remain open for service. Customers should use the south entrance.

Metrobus

  • Bus service will be provided during regular hours (5 a.m. to 11 p.m.); however, detours are expected due to roadway flooding, downed trees and other obstructions. Buses may also experience delays due to weather conditions.

MetroAccess

  • Service will continue to operate during the same hours as rail and bus services.
  • MetroAccess customers are encouraged to cancel any non-essential trips on Tuesday.

Customer information

  • Do not travel during severe weather unless absolutely necessary.
  • Service adjustments are possible due to weather conditions. These adjustments may occur with little or no advance notice. If you must travel, allow additional travel time.
  • For service information throughout the storm, follow @Metrorailinfo, @Metrobusinfo, and sign up for text and email notifications at wmata.com/metroalerts.
  • Use caution on wet surfaces, including platforms and escalators.
  • Do not carry open umbrellas within the Metrorail system, including on outdoor platforms where they could be blown onto the tracks during high wind events.