LIRR works against storm conditions

Frozen switches, snow on the third rail and fallen trees on the tracks again plagued the Long Island Rail Road Wednesday during the fourth nor'easter to strike Long Island this March.
LIRR officials say they deployed additional workers and equipment this time to try and mitigate the storm's effects.
The railroad had 1,065 additional personnel, 85 extra switch crews, four extra de-icing trains and four additional patrol trains to help break up ice on the rails. The railroad also promised to have rescue buses on hand to assist passengers from stranded trains, if needed.
By mid-afternoon, the LIRR said it was operating on a normal weekday schedule with some delays and cancellations, but conditions deteriorated as the storm picked up ahead of the evening commute. Cancellations and delays began piling up before 5 p.m. 
"LIRR may need to reduce or suspend service later today if conditions worsen," the railroad warned in an email alert to riders. Some commuters left work early as a precaution.
"Wasn't too bad, real packed," Ryan Pagano said on his way home at the Mineola train station. "I think everybody's trying to get home."
Six branches of the LIRR were suspended earlier this month because of power lines down on the tracks due to previous storms.
The railroad will be keeping stations open overnight for customers.