Community Corner

Irene Already Affecting Connecticut Travel

Hurricane is disrupting transportation services as it heads for New England

Hurricane Irene is not scheduled to reach New England until Sunday, but the storm is already having an impact on travel in the state.

We detail here how the hurricane is affecting airports, rail, highways and waterways.

Air:

Find out what's happening in New Londonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

  • Bradley Airport has issued a "travel advisory" for the weekend.
  • USA Today reports that more than 200 flights have already been canceled.
  • As of Thursday at 8 p.m., Tweed Airport in New Haven has not announced any plans to suspend or cancel flights on its website. Groton-New London Airport is also not announcing any delays or cancellations on its website.

Train:

  • According to an AP article posted on The Weather Channel, New York City has announced it will shut down all transit service beginning Saturday afternoon.
  • Metro-North, which runs from New York to New Haven, has issued this warning on its website:"Metro-North is preparing for the impact of Hurricane Irene. Because of the projected severity of the wind and rain, there may be partial or full shut down of our service on all lines and branches. Customers should check mta.info frequently and to consider the impacts of this storm when making travel plans through the weekend." 
  • Amtrak has already cancelled trains in Washington, D.C., and in a few southerns states. On its website, it said: "As Hurricane Irene continues to progress, Amtrak has canceled most train service operating south of Washington for this Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Additional announcements will be made in the coming days as the major storm moves north. Most trains on the Northeast Corridor are not yet affected." More cancellions are likely to come in the next few days, so travelers are encouraged to call 800-USA-RAIL or visit Amtrak.com for schedule information and train status updates.

Roads & Highways:

Find out what's happening in New Londonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Boating:

  • The U.S. Coast Guard is advising boaters to stay off the water and for residents to stay clear of beaches.
  • has cancelled all Sunday departures as well as all departures from New London after 2 p.m. Sea Jet trips for Saturday and Sunday have also been cancelled.
  • has cancelled all trips scheduled for today and Sunday.


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