Winter Storm Parking

Good evening team,

 

Although the snow is not currently forecast to be as serious as previously thought, the Port Authority has again agreed to accommodate us to park at the terminals for employees exiting after midnight tonight, 0001 March 3, 2014 until just after midnight, 0001 March 4, 2014. Same rules apply as last time:

 

-       You must exit parking through a STAFFED lane (not an "express" unmanned one)
 

-       Identify yourself as TSA and present your TSA or airport ID card and your parking ticket to the cashier

 

-       Be patient and courteous

 

Thank you all for your service over the next day!

 

Sincerely,

 

Gary Renfrow

DFSD

 

 

Good evening team,

Thanks to everyone who slugged their way into work in this weather...awesome job.

We were able to get an extension to accommodate parking at the terminals until 1800 tomorrow, Friday 14 February. Same rules apply -- it is imperative that you exit parking before 1800 or you will not be accommodated. Please remember to exit a staffed lane and present your TSA ID or PIV card.

Operating status for tomorrow is normal operations. Emergency and non-essential personnel are to report on time. Please give yourself some extra time, and be safe!

Honored to serve,
Gary Renfrow

Weather related MTA Announcements Feb 13, 2014

MTA Announces Storm-Related Service Changes

New York City Subway’s N Line Temporarily Suspended in Brooklyn

Metro-North Will Provide Hourly Service Beginning at 4 p.m.

LIRR Is Adding Four Extra Afternoon Eastbound Departures

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) is announcing service changes related to the winter storm that is causing snow accumulations and high winds throughout the region. Details of each change are listed below. Schedule details will be posted on the mta.info website later this afternoon.

New York City Subway N Line Temporarily Suspended

MTA New York City Transit has temporarily suspended service on the N Sea Beach Line in Brooklyn south of 36 St. Southbound (Coney Island-bound) N trains will run via the D Line south of 36 St.

Service is suspended in order to dispatch snow-blowers to remove accumulated snow and ice from the tracks and third rail. Once the snow is cleared from the southbound track, normal southbound service will resume and the snow-blowers will head north to clear snow from the northbound track.  Northbound (Manhattan-bound) N trains will then run on the D Line from Coney Island-Stillwell Av to 36 St.  NYCT hopes to resume normal service in time for the p.m. peak.

The N Sea Beach Line, along with other “open cut” outdoor lines, is more vulnerable to accumulating snow and ice.  We are also closely monitoring conditions on the AS Rockaway, 7 Flushing, BQ Brighton, and 5 Dyre Av lines for potential suspensions for snow removal.

In addition, Bronx 6 Express subway service and Queens 7 Express subway service is suspended.  All service on those lines will be local until further notice.

After tonight’s p.m. peak, subway trains will be moved and stored underground on express tracks and express service will be impacted on portions of certain lines into Friday. De-icers – retired subway cars modified with tanks and other specialized equipment to spray de-icing fluid on the third rail – are already in operation. Additionally, subway trains will be equipped with scraper shoes during overnight hours to keep ice off the third rail.

Metro-North Will Provide Hourly Service Beginning at 4 p.m.

MTA Metro-North Railroad will begin hourly service at 4 p.m. today due to higher-than-predicted snow accumulations of up to 18 inches in its service territory. Metro-North may need to further reduce or suspend service on some portions of its territory if conditions warrant.

Just a third of Metro-North Railroad customers took trains to New York this morning. The railroad’s service plan provides sufficient capacity to get everyone home. The current 75% reduced schedule remains in effect until 4 p.m. Changing weather conditions may lead to additional trains being combined.

Metro-North will rely heavily on its diesel fleet. Snow blowers and patrol trains are operating to clear the tracks, but higher-than-predicted rates of snowfall have the potential to affect service.

Long Island Rail Road Restoring Service Between Hicksville and Huntington and Adding Four Extra Trains

MTA Long Island Rail Road is restoring hourly service between Hicksville & Huntington and plans to run on two hour intervals between Huntington and Port Jeff. We continue to see higher accumulations on Huntington branch and may be cancelling Westbound service on Port Jeff branch for the PM to give us more flexibility for the Eastbound PM service on that branch.

The LIRR is adding four extra early-afternoon eastbound trains today starting with the 2:08 p.m. train from Penn Station to Huntington. The eight extra trains include three on the Babylon Branch, three on the Port Jefferson Branch (to Hicksville and Huntington); and one each on the Port Washington Branch (to Great Neck) and the Far Rockaway Branch.

The LIRR provided a regular AM Peak schedule of trains this morning and plans to provide the regular complement of trains for the PM Peak as well, though customers should expect weather related delays and allow extra travel time. Here is the lineup of extra, early afternoon eastbound trains from Penn Station.

Babylon Branch – Three Trains

·         2:33 p.m. will run express to Lynbrook then local to Babylon

·         3:01 p.m. will stop at Jamaica, Rockville Centre and then run local to Babylon

·         3:32 p.m. will run express to Rockville Centre then local to Babylon

Port Washington Branch – One Train

·         3:41 p.m. will stop at Woodside, Flushing-Main Street, then all stops to Great Neck.

 

The most up-to-date information on MTA service status is always available at www.mta.info. For immediate notice of service changes, sign up for email or text alerts at www.mymtaalerts.com. For weekend subway service changes, visit www.mta.info/weekender.

Good evening team,
Once again the Port Authority is stepping up to accommodate us to park at the terminals during this storm  between now and noon on Friday, 14 February 2014. And, they have made it even easier to accomplish:

-          You must exit parking before 1200 on Friday, 14 February 2014

-          Exit through a STAFFED lane (not an "express" unmanned one)

-          Identify yourself as TSA and present your TSA or airport ID card and your parking ticket to the cashier

-          Be patient and courteous

Thank you all for your service over the next day!

Sincerely,

Gary Renfrow

Weather Advisory #1 for Thursday Feb 13, 2014

Good afternoon, folks. Current forecast calls for 2-4 “ at JFK between midnight and mid-morning tomorrow, followed by mixed wintry conditions (rain, ice, snow, sleet, etc.) including high winds through the day until early evening, then back to snow, accumulating a total of 4-6”. We are right on the line, however, and it could be considerably better or worst. The Federal Executive Board is recommending a 2 hour delay for tomorrow in NYC.

Non-essential personnel and those essential officers on Special Assignment to the Headquarters may report to work 2 hours after scheduled. Those who have telecommuting contracts in place should depart this afternoon with their computers in case things change overnight…I will send a message out in the morning if telecommuting is encouraged, but at this point plan on reporting 2 hours late as described. Finally, do encourage use of unscheduled annual leave for tomorrow.

Emergency personnel should report to work as scheduled. While some airlines will have delays and cancellations, most are attempting to hold on to a full schedule tomorrow due to the uncertainty of the weather pattern and the high travel forecast for President’s Day. I ask the CC to discuss call-outs as mentioned previously, by encouraging officers to get to work even if delayed due to the weather.

Thanks everyone, there is no administrative time being offered in this email…please be safe and call if you have questions or are having any difficulties! Thanks for all you do.

Gary

JFK FSD Message 1/22/14 0800

What’s Up JFK?

Good morning.  As we prepare for day two of the current weather challenge I want to personally thank everyone that came into work today.  From the discussions I’ve had most of your commutes were challenging but – you made it here which is truly appreciated.  In speaking with the airlines and terminal operators today’s operation has already kicked off and will ramp up over the next few hours.  There may be operational challenges as we move resources around to support the airport operation however I’m confident that you will continue to be flexible in your support of our overall mission.  Lastly, as you normally do I ask for your patience as we work towards normalizing the operation.

Again – thank you and hopefully I get to see you and thank you personally as I get out to the terminals today.

Paul Leyh

Federal Security Director

Severe Weather Update #3, 21 Jan 2014 2300

Good evening. We just visited terminals and wanted to close out the night with a big thank you, and a few notes for tomorrow.

 First, it looks like the snow is slowing – well ahead of what was anticipated – and, will give crews plenty of time to work on major roads tonight.  In speaking with the airlines and terminal operators, they will likely be pushing to get operations back to normal as soon as able. That said, please use caution, give yourself extra time, and be prepared for delays however you’re traveling – we’d rather have you in late tomorrow than not at all (but please do try and get in on time!)

Second, reminder that the Air Train is out of service, and may be for an extended period of time (we’ll know more in the next couple of days). In the meantime, buses are running – but never as frequently as we would like. Please keep your Supervisor advised of delays, and again give yourself some extra time.

Third, we had a couple of hiccups with officers parking in terminal parking, then having to pay when they departed. To avoid this, please be sure to bring your license plate number, the make and model of your vehicle, and your TSA ID card to avoid difficulties when departing. This information will be forwarded to the proper person within Port Authority, and therefore should be sent just as soon as possible after you arrive at work in the morning. Also, please be advised that if you arrive after 1200 into parking on the 22^nd of January, you will not be accommodated by the Port. Those of you that had to pay to exit this evening, please keep your receipt and we will attempt to get you a refund for this…no guarantees, but we will try.

As always, thank you for your service…and look forward to seeing you tomorrow.

 

Gary Renfrow

Deputy Federal Security Director

JFK Severe Weather Update #3 1/21/14 1530

As of 1500 JFK International Airport Remains Open

There are however reduced operations to a varying degree from terminal to terminal.  TSA is still operating on a normal shift schedule this evening.  However, as operations permit, managers may release some Officers before the end of their shift through use of annual leave.

For tomorrow (Wednesday) JFK Airport has NOT forecasted any closure and each airline is now in the process of finalizing their operational plan.  Currently, TSA’s plan is to run a normal operation tomorrow and we will keep you updated throughout the day and this evening. 

Paul Leyh

Federal Security Director

Severe Weather Update #2, 21 Jan 2014 1130

Good morning, team.

 One of the challenges that we heard from everyone during the last storm was the lack of parking at the terminals. We have some good news – we’ve been able to convince the Port Authority to permit officers to park in Terminal Parking during the snow storm, but there are some restrictions:

1.      Parking will be permitted for officers who arrive between 1500 today, 21 January 2014 and 1200 tomorrow, 22 January 2014.

2.      When you report for your shift, be prepared to provide the make/model of your car and the license plate number to your supervisor. Supervisor’s will email that information to me so that you will be able to get out of parking when your shift ends.

3.      You will need to show your TSA ID to then get out of parking.

Thank you for your service during the storm as always. Also, thank you in advance for using the parking as described above – living by these rules helps us at the table when we are working to get a more permanent solution through the Port, which we continue to work toward.

More to follow, please stay tuned in on our blog: , http://jfktsasituationboard.blogspot.com/.

Best regards,

 Gary Renfrow

DFSD-Operations, JFK

Air Train Not Operating at JFK

The Air Train service has ben suspended due to problems on the rails.  There will be bus service between Jamaica Station and JFK and around to the terminals.  Please plan your travel accordingly.

Severe Weather Warning Monday January 21, 2014 1000

Later today the New York area and JFK Airport is expecting another storm with varying predictions of snow, up to 12 inches potentially accumulating between this afternoon and early tomorrow. Through the duration of the storm, we will continue to work with the Port Authority, airlines and terminals to determine their operational footprint and mission demand.

 

During the storm and until the airport operation is back to normal, we will continue to keep you updatedvia email and the emergency blog, the JFK TSA Situation Board, http://jfktsasituationboard.blogspot.com/ .

 

Please keep in mind that if the airport is open and the airlines are flying, we are expected to be here and ensure the security of the traveling public. Please ensure your supervisor has a good contact number before leaving work today in case it becomes necessary to conduct an accountability outreach in the morning. I appreciate your assistance/support and please look for additional updates as they become available. Paul Leyh FSD/JFK

AirTrain running 2 trains for terminals loop, Jamaica and Howard Beach lines are running 3 trains on each with 9 minute intervals.  Buses stopped running at 1700.

JFK is open.  Your commitment and dedication to the flying public is needed now.  Thanks to everyone who made the effort to get to work, you relieved some very tired co-Officers who were grateful as they get ready to come back tomorrow to help get things back to normal at JFK.

The AirTrain is running 1 train for terminals loop; the Jamaica line has a 15-20 min wait; the Howard Beach line has a 30 min wait and running buses as well.

The weather is cold but clear and the vast majority of roads are passable and clear.

Mass transit is running at or close to normal.

 

Friday 1/3/2013 1100
JFK airport is open and operational as of 1000 today.  The airport is using one runway as of now.  TSA employees should make every effort to report to work today- even if you will be late.  The street conditions are much improved and public transportation is running smoothly.  Those that have called out early and now can make it to work will be changed from sick to tardy if you are now able to come to the airport.  For those that did make it to work this morning the FSD has asked that I relay his deep appreciation for your dedication to duty.  As Emergency Employees you are required and expected to report for duty during these weather events but we still should say thank you.

Winter Storm Conditions

0800 hrs.  / Jan 03, 2014

Airport Conditions Report

Weather Conditions:  Windy. Snow this morning will taper to flurries this afternoon. Temperatures cold (high around 20-deg F). Winds NNW at 25 to 35 mph. As of 0630 JFK reported accumulation of 6 inches. Additional snow accumulating 1 to 3 inches. Snow removal procedures are in progress

Weather Forecast next 8 hours:   Snowing / Windy / Accumulation of 1 to 3 inches additional until 1200 in areas.

Airport:  Closed

Runways:  : Airport has been closed as of 0640 for snow removed on the runways (up to 2-hour closure anticipated).

Air-Train:  Not Operational – as 0730 they are using bus shuttle.

Mass Transit Conditions: Operational with delays

Roadways Into Airport:  Normal snow removal procedures in progress.

Roadways Inside Airport:  Normal snow removal procedures in progress.

Van Service: 2 operational vans as of 0600.

Training: cancelled

Parking Lot Conditions: Snow removal in progress

Employee Parking Lot:  Snow removal in progress

Winter Storm Conditions

2000 hrs.  Jan 02, 2014

Airport Conditions Report

Weather Conditions:  Snow

Weather Forecast next 8 hours: Snow for the next few hours possible accum about 4-8”

Airport, Open or Closed:  Open

AirTrain:  Operational with one three car train from Jamaica Station and three trains doing the Howard Beach to Central Terminal area, operating every eight minutes as of 1950 HRS

Mass Transit Conditions: Operational, no major delays

 

A message from our FSD, Paul Leyh:

AFSDs, DAFSDs, TSSEs, TSIs, TSMs, STSOs, LTSOs, TSOs, BDOs, CCOs,  

Happy New Year and thanks for all you have accomplished in the past year.   

As we approach the beginning of significant snowfall in the New York/New Jersey and Connecticut areas, please be advised that you have been designated by the TSA as “Emergency Employees.”

Emergency Employees are required to report for duty and remain on duty in order to continue TSA Operations if and when an emergency situation occurs. And, as you all know, Emergency situations include, but are not limited to, adverse weather conditions, heavy snowfall, heavy rains and flooding, high winds, natural disasters, and widespread power interruptions.  

Emergency Employees are expected to report to duty on time unless specifically instructed by TSA Management to report at different times or locations because of delays in airport operations, airport closures or other extenuating circumstances and conditions.  Our JFK Coordination Center will transmit changes and updates in reporting times via email, text messages, AWS and/or through our telephone tree network.  While television and media reports are informative, they may not accurately reflect the requirements for Emergency Employees from TSA.

If Emergency Employees determine that it is impossible to report for duty (due to impassable roads, local or state government-directed road closures, or suspensions of public transportation), the affected Employees are required to follow JFK Call Out procedures by contacting 718-917-3810/11 at least “60” minutes prior to the start of their scheduled shifts.  The Employee will request leave; provide the reasons for the leave during the emergency, or advise the Coordination Center that the he or she will report late for duty.  If an Employee is faced with circumstances that would reasonably prevent contact with Management or with the Coordination Center, notification will be made as soon as possible.  If an Employee is unable to remain on duty during emergency operations, he or she is required to advise his or her immediate supervisor and request unscheduled leave.

Employees will submit completed OPM 71s and any documentation that might be required to substantiate absences.  Determinations of Excused Absences or Absences Without Leave (AWOL) will be evaluated on a case by case basis.  Employees who fail to follow JFK Call Out procedures may be charged with Absence Without Leave (AWOL).

As we (TSA) continue to serve as the one of the foundations for rapidly restoring and re-starting operations at JFK International Airport, I encourage each of you to travel to and from duty and conduct security operations on duty with safety as a priority.     

The references for this update are TSA MD 1100.61-1 Handbook - Emergency Dismissals and Closures and our Collective Bargaining Agreement.

Thanks in advance for your support. 

Paul Leyh

FSD
JFK International Airport

Snowstorm Updates

TSA JFK,
The blog will be utilized today to post information about conditions at JFK during the snowstorm. Updates will be posted as information gets updated.