Feb. 4, 2010

WASHINGTON - WASHINGTON - The anticipation of inclement weather issued by the National Weather Service has caused the Washington Metro Area Transit Authority to release information that may affect potential spectators of Saturday's scheduled BIG EAST Conference basketball matchup between the No. 7/8 Georgetown Hoyas and No. 2/2 Villanova Wildcats at noon at Verizon Center.

From the WMATA: Metrorail operates very close to a normal schedule in snowfall of up to six inches. However once snow reaches a depth of eight inches, it is difficult to operate trains above ground because snow starts to cover the electrified third rail, which is necessary to provide electricity to power the trains. As a result, Metro may suspend above-ground rail service and serve underground stations only when snow accumulation reaches eight inches or more.

In the event above-ground rail service is suspended, the modified underground service will operate every 30 minutes as follows:

Yellow Line - Pentagon to Crystal City only Red Line - Medical Center to Union Station only Orange Line - Ballston to Stadium-Armory only Green Line - Fort Totten to Congress Heights only Blue Line - Ballston (extended to Blue Line) and Stadium-Armory only

Running trains only through underground stations when snow reaches eight or more inches will lessen the damage to the electrical components of trains which allows Metro to resume quicker because more trains will be available for use.

To see the rest of WMATA's Press Release visit: http://www.wmata.com/about_metro/news/PressReleaseDetail.cfm?ReleaseID=4279