Metra service plagued by winds, rain, mechanical problems

Metra service along several lines serving the north, northwest and western suburbs was hindered Friday morning by gusty winds, strong rain and mechanical problems.

The Chicago area is expected to see strong winds and rainfall throughout the morning and late afternoon, according to the National Weather Service.

Two trains along Metra’s Union Pacific / North Line will not operate because of “ongoing weather related track obstruction,” according to Metra.

Train No. 311, scheduled to depart Ogilvie Transportation Center at 6:45 a.m. and arrive in Winnetka at 7:18 a.m., and train No. 316, scheduled to leave Winnetka at 7:30 a.m. and arrive at Ogilvie at 8:13 a.m., both will not operate, according to Metra.

Two other trains serving the west and northwest suburbs will also have abbreviated runs Friday morning because of mechanical problems.

Train No. 2202, scheduled to arrive in Chicago at 6:13 a.m., will not operate past Bartlett, according to Metra. Train No. 2203, which was planned to leave Union Station at 6:21 a.m. and arrive in Elgin at 7:38 a.m. will not operate at all.

Train No. 2205, leaving Union Station at 7:12 a.m., will accommodate passengers from train No. 2203 and make all stops, Metra said.

A downed power line halted all trains on the Union Pacific / Northwest Line near northwest suburban Des Plaines Friday morning.

All inbound and outbound trains were halted due to a downed power line across all three main tracks near the Cumberland station in Des Plaines, according to a Metra alert posted at 5:42 a.m.

It was not immediately known how long trains would be delayed, but extended delay times were anticipated, Metra said.

Metra suggested passengers seek alternate transportation, while the CTA Blue Line was honoring Metra tickets from O’Hare International Airport to Chicago.