All afternoon METRO transit services suspended Aug. 26 in anticipation of Hurricane Laura

The Harris County Metropolitan Transit Authority will suspend all transit service operations at 4 p.m. Aug. 26 in anticipation of the developing Hurricane Laura, according to an Aug. 25 press release.

At 4 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 26, 2020, METRO will suspend operations of all transit services in advance of the impacts to the region from Hurricane Laura. For full details, please visit https://t.co/WYCC3dieft ^S pic.twitter.com/kdFTPzzLuv

— METRO Houston (@METROHouston) August 25, 2020

Paratransit services affected by the service suspension include:

• METROLift trips scheduled after 4 p.m. will be canceled.
• Afternoon Park & Ride services will begin at 2 p.m. on Aug. 26.

Additionally, METRO RideStores will close at 2 p.m. on Aug. 26.

"These proactive measures are being taken to protect the health and safety of the Authority's customers and employees," the press release read. "METRO vehicles are not designed to operate safely in sustained high winds. Additionally, local officials are recommending residents leave roads clear."

Harris County is currently under a state of disaster through Sept. 1, according to a disaster declaration signed by County Judge Lina Hidalgo on Aug. 26. Harris County and city of Houston officials have urged Greater Houston-area residents to keep clear of roads to allow access to freeways for those evacuating from the hurricane.