Update: Metro Closed, Many Flights Canceled at National Airport for Hurricane Sandy

Update - Sunday 8 p.m. The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority announced that the Metro will be closed on Monday. Read our coverage on the Metro closure. 

Reagan Washington National Airport canceled most flights for Monday in advance of Hurricane Sandy.

"Passengers are strongly encouraged to check their flight status before leaving for the airport, especially on Monday, when significant cancellations are expected. Both airports plan to remain open during this weather event," stated a press release from the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority.

Read National Airport's updated information on flight cancelations.

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Original post - 5:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 26

The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority issued the following information about Metro's plans in the event Hurricane Sandy affects this region:

• Metro is planning to place sandbags around locations where water can infiltrate the Metrorail system.
• Additional support personnel have been scheduled to be on duty throughout the storm to respond to any situations that may arise.
• All drainage pumping stations are being checked in advance of the storm and will be monitored throughout the storm.
• Metro's plant maintenance staff is clearing drainage areas near stations and yards. Chainsaws will be deployed in Metro motor vehicles for use in the event of downed trees.
• Supervisors will monitor critical locations, such as bus garages, parking garages, and flood-prone areas throughout the storm.
• Metro is coordinating with local jurisdictions and the Federal Government through the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments.

Advice for Metro passengers:

• The best advice for Metro customers before the storm is to sign up for MetroAlerts. Metro will provide the latest bus and rail service information throughout the storm via MetroAlerts (sign up at wmata.com/metroalerts), online at wmata.com/sandy and via Twitter @wmata.
• Metrobuses and MetroAccess vehicles will detour around downed trees and flooded streets, as necessary. Please allow additional travel time.
• Use caution on wet surfaces, including platforms and escalators.
• Do not carry open umbrellas within the Metrorail system.
• Customers are reminded to stand back from platform edges or curbs – especially given the potential for high winds during the storm.
• For the latest information, visit www.wmata.com/sandy. 

Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport

The airport, which serves more than 850 flights a day, is working with airlines to make sure items on the airfield are secure, testing backup generators and clearing storm drains in advance of the storm.

From National Airport officials: 

• Passengers should check with their airline about any flight delays or adjustments to rebooking policies.
• The Airports Authority will update the official Twitter account @dcairports about storm preparation and will retweet airlines as they make changes related to Hurricane Sandy.