WASHINGTON (AP) — The D.C. transit system is urging travelers to sign up for email and text alerts to keep tabs on changes to bus and train schedules because of the approaching storm.

Metro spokesman Dan Stessel says crews were preparing Friday for an expected storm of heavy wind and rains by checking drainage stations and placing sandbags at locations prone to flooding.

He says rain isn’t generally a problem for the Metro system, but powerful and sustained winds can lead to speed limits for trains or even curtail service altogether.

Stessel says because the Washington region is so dependent on Metro, the system will do its best to accommodate its riders’ needs — including ramping up service in the event of an early dismissal of federal government employees.

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