Metro announced in a statement that it would close the Cleveland Park Station on Tuesday as a safety precaution because its entrances are located in an area that is prone to flash flooding.
The measure came as part of the agency’s weather plan against the impact of Isaias, which is now a tropical storm, on the DC area.
According to the statement, the station will reopen when conditions allow. Riders are advised to use Van Ness or Woodley Park stations as an alternative route in the meantime.
The north entrance at King Street Station in Alexandria will also be closed Tuesday due to the same reason. The station’s south entrance can still be used.
Metro activates severe weather plan for Hurricane Isaias impacts, Cleveland Park Station to be closed Tuesday https://t.co/qHQEMOwdA7 #wmata
— Metro (@wmata) August 4, 2020
Bus detours will be announced on a route-specific basis through Mero Alerts email and 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,” the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA).
Other actions taken by Metro in preparation for the storm are as follows:
- 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.