LIRR service restored but limited

The Long Island Rail Road restored limited service early Thursday, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority announced on its website.

The LIRR plans to run a reduced AM peak schedule on Thursday, which includes the cancellation of 30 of its 144 morning westbound trains. Buses will replace trains east of Speonk & east of Ronkonkoma.

Service, however, was limited due to the suspension of several branches, including  West Hempstead, Huntington/Port Jefferson and Port Washington and Hempstead lines due to weather-related conditions.

The MTA has suspended bus services for Long Island and New York City. LIRR tickets were being honored at Jamaica Station on the E line.

According to the MTA, customers should allow for extra travel time, exercise caution.

Officials recommend travel only in emergencies.

The LIRR said in an earlier statement its goal is to "keep as much train service operating as possible on all branches. But to ensure customer and employee safety, service may be temporarily suspended if snow accumulations reach 10 to 13 inches."

Preparations for the storm began earlier Wednesday with "de-icer trains dispatched to prep rails," the railroad said.

"The LIRR had brought extra personnel on hand at Jamaica to ensure that switches there remain operational," and the railroad "is running anti-freeze trains throughout its electrified system to help reduce icing on the third rail."