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Metro-North Trains See Delays Due To Slippery Rail Conditions

FAIRFIELD COUNTY, Conn. -- As heavy winds and rain blew through Fairfield County on Friday, Metro-North was reporting ongoing delays of 10 to 15 minutes for trains on the New Haven Line, it said on its website and via Twitter. 

Some minor Metro-North train delays in the autumn months are attributed to “slip-slide,” a condition created by a slimy substance left by crushed leaves on the railroad tracks.

Some minor Metro-North train delays in the autumn months are attributed to “slip-slide,” a condition created by a slimy substance left by crushed leaves on the railroad tracks.

Photo Credit: File

Metro-North blamed slippery rail conditions, which are often caused by wet leaves accumulating on the tracks. Riders are advised to listen for announcements at train stations.

Some minor train service delays in the autumn months are attributed to “slip-slide,” a condition created by a slimy substance left by crushed leaves on railroad tracks that gets even slipperier after it rains, Metro-North said.

“When a train attempts to speed up or slow down, this gelatinous ‘slime’ can cause the wheels to slip or slide along the rails,” the release said.  “In severe cases the train will automatically make an emergency stop, because the on-board computer system perceives slip-sliding as excessive speed. And this slip-sliding and braking can also create flat spots on the train's wheels, forcing us to take much-needed equipment out of service for repairs.”

The problem is often called slip-slide: Read more about it here on The Daily Voice.

A wind advisory is in effect from 4 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday for all of Fairfield and Westchester counties. The hazards include strong and possibly damaging winds. In addition, showers are likely all day with temperatures in the 60s.

The wind will be south to southwest from 15 to 25 mph with gusts of up to 50 mph. The strongest winds are expected into Friday afternoon.

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