A downed tree on subway tracks (MTA via Twitter)
Aug. 4, 2020 By Allie Griffin
The MTA has suspended above-ground subway service as Tropical Storm Isaias batters the five boroughs, knocking over trees and causing power outages.
Only underground subway service will continue until the winds die down.
“To keep everyone safe, we are suspending most outdoor service and will run underground-only subway service until the winds die down,” the MTA said in a Tweet.
The winds in New York Harbor have sustained nearly 60 miles per hour, with gusts up to 75 miles per hour, according to the National Hurricane Center.
High winds have toppled many trees and sent other debris onto tracks in several locations in Queens, Brooklyn and the Bronx, the MTA stated.
There are multiple downed trees along the M line between Myrtle Avenue station and the Middle Village – Metropolitan Avenue station, according to the MTA website.
Another tree fell onto the A train tracks near the Howard Beach – JFK Airport stop.
The transit agency encouraged travelers to take extra caution on public transportation and urged New Yorkers to stay home if possible. Buses are running for commuters in need of another option.
The storm has caused several power outages throughout the city as well.
More than 100,000 New Yorkers have lost power at the time of publication, according to Con Edison. Thousands of customers in Middle Village are reportedly without power.
The five boroughs are also under a flash flood warning due to Isais and a travel advisory is in effect for the remainder of the day.
Trees are down in Celtic Park in Woodside (Photo: George Burles)
A downed tree at Gantry Plaza State Park in Long Island City (Photo: Rob Basch)
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13 Comments
I think this this also has to do with the city expanding tree area. In the past, they used to be 4 to 5 feet big. The past couple of years the been expanding the tree area to like 6 to 7 feet. This leaves tree roots soaked and no where to hang on to. I know it saves money on cement but can also be making it more dangerous.
Tree lined streets are nice to look at. But during storms they can be very dangerous. They also tend to smell like dog waste. I know my neighbors tree has such a harsh urine smell. I wonder if the increase in dogs has anything to do with weak tree roots. So many trees fell in Astoria and Astoria Park and that neighborhood is full of dogs. They spent millions on a dog run but there are more dog walkers at the park.
It could of been a lot worse. Too bad most of us do not have fireplaces. Hopefully some business will turn all these fallen trees into picnic tables for outside dining. Or build log cabins for some homeless people.
So many trees were down! Very dangerous. I wonder if Covid 19 in the air is making them weaker. The city should just label the ones down as such and ask for more funding.
And the city keeps planting more trees. Some blocks have a tree in front of every small family house, Too bad they do not plant fruit trees. We can all use some free oranges and apples during this economic depression.
Free food is available, and those Fruit-bearing trees don’t grow well here.
So much damage with only Tropical Storm-strength winds. Thankful it wasn’t a full-blown hurricane.
You have the useless Parks Dept that never prune trees.
They prune them, they just wait until they fall over first!
And wait for us to call them to complain. Multiple times.
Residents need to water the trees regularly, but it’s especially important during hot, dry spells.
Dog urine isn’t helping our trees. Please curb your dogs.
Pruning seems to happen in election years. Should be given more priority.
Maybe now you will stop walking in the streets under Diblasios stupid closed street plan and let the cars get to where they need to go.