Eastbound trains are delayed 45 minutes and westbound service is suspended as the heat takes its toll on Metro-North.
“There are numerous weather-related problems,” Spokesman Marjorie Anders said in a press release. “At least three trains have become ensnared in drooping overheard catenary wire due to this afternoon’s extraordinary heat.”
Temperatures were above 100 as it neared 5 p.m.
Around 4:30 p.m., the 3:27 p.m. train out of New Haven, due at Grand Central terminal at 5:15 p.m. became disabled west of the Stratford station due to damage to the pantograph, the mechanical arm on top of trains that draws power from the overhead wires. An empty train was being sent alongside the disabled one to transport those passengers.
The 1:34 p.m. out of Grand Central, due in New Haven at 3:18 p.m., became disabled between the Westport and Green’s Farms stations. The power was turned off to the overhead wires so the crew could climb up and isolate the disabled pantograph. While this was under way, there is no air conditioning on the train.
Three people complained of heat prostration and were being treated by medical personnel at Green’s Farms, where the trains was met by EMS, Anders said.
Numerous fire and EMS units were responding to the scene, ferrying water for passengers.
Anders said none of the medical conditions were serious.
The train was expected to move and arrive in New Haven around 90 minutes late.
The 12:07 p.m. train from Grand Central, due in New Haven at 1:52 p.m. became disabled between Stratford and Bridgeport also with a pantograph problem.
Several sections of track are out of service continually for construction work, including installation of new catenary wire. This reduces operating flexibility and contributes to the delays, Anders said.