Update: Reduced Train Service on West Hempstead Branch, Most of LIRR

Residents relying on the Long Island Rail Road to commute to work Wednesday morning must deal with limited service on most branches, including the West Hempstead line which stops in Malverne, Westwood and West Hempstead. 

As of 5:30am Wednesday, this branch had some service changes, including the cancellation of the 5:37am westbound train. A notice on the MTA site for West Hempstead branch customers said it was operating on "a significantly reduced weekday AM Rush schedule."

The Long Island Rail Road warned passengers Tuesday it may need to suspend service Wednesday morning if the winter storm expected to blitz the region hit as .

MTA officials had said the LIRR hopes to keep service rolling on all 11 of its branches, but may need to temporarily suspend trains if 10 or more inches of snow accumulate to keep trains from being stranded. 

The LIRR said it would continually evaluate the impact of the storm on and urged customers to consult the MTA’s website for the latest updates on branches that may be affect by cancellations. The , Westwood and West Hempstead LIRR stations are serviced on the West Hempstead branch.

Patch will keep readers updated as the snowstorm continues.

The LIRR suspended service east of Speonk following Tuesday evening's rush hour. There was no overnight or morning train service between Montauk and Speonk. Buses were provided for customers heading east of Speonk, starting with the 8:53 p.m. train from Jamaica, scheduled to arrive in Montauk at 11:57 p.m.

The LIRR also decided to suspend train service between Greenport and Ronkonkoma starting Wednesday morning.

MTA officials are urging customers who are not required to travel on Wednesday morning not to. Those who must utilize the LIRR Wednesday are urged to “take extra care during the storm,” including watching their steps on platforms and stairways due to potentially slippery conditions.

For the latest service updates customers can check the MTA’s website or call the LIRR’s Travel Information Center at (718)-217-5477.