Metro-North Suspends Commuter Lines After Flash Floods Pummel Tracks

NEW YORK CITY — Heavy rain and flash flooding Sunday washed out vital commuter rail links between New York City and upstate, officials said.

Two Metro-North lines — the Wassaic Branch and the Hudson Line north of Croton-Harmon — remained at least partly suspended Monday as crews rushed to repair tracks damaged by flooding and clear downed trees.

"Our crews are continuing to evaluate the damage and are working to clear the tracks," tweeted Metro-North Railroad.

A woman in her 30s died as the Hudson Valley region received 8 inches of rain or more Sunday, officials said.

The strong flooding dislodged boulders, which rammed the woman’s house and damaged part of its wall, Orange County Executive Steve Neuhaus told The Associated Press.

"Her house was completely surrounded by water," he said. "She was trying to get through (the flooding) with her dog," he added, "and she was overwhelmed by tidal-wave type waves."

More rain is expected Monday and several counties remain under a flood watch.

Photographs published by Metro-North show water rushing over and under rails and inundating whole stretches of tracks, as well as several fallen trees.

Metro-North officials said replaced train service on the Wassaic Branch with buses in both directions between Southeast and Wassaic because of flooding.

Service on the Hudson Line was suspended Monday morning between Croton-Harmon and Poughkeepsie, officials said.

"Riders should consider traveling to Croton-Harmon station or take Harlem Line service at Southeast, Croton Falls and other stations along that line instead," an MTA alert states. "Hudson Line tickets will be accepted on Harlem Line trains."

Related coverage:

• Hudson Valley Flooded: 1 Dead, Trains & Roads Closed, More Rain Coming