WMATA: Metro to Reopen at 2 p.m. Tuesday

The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority announced Tuesday morning it would restore rail and bus service at 2 p.m., with trains and buses operating on a Sunday schedule.

WMATA said normal weekday service — including rush hour service — would be restored in time for Wednesday opening.

Metrorail, Metrobus and MetroAccess were suspended for all of Monday and Tuesday morning as the system braced for the effects of Hurricane Sandy.

According to a release Tuesday morning, Metro plans to offer the following services: 

• "Metrorail: Service restoration will begin at 2 p.m.  On all lines, trains will operate at Sunday service intervals until closing.
• Metrobus: Service restoration will begin at 2 p.m.  Buses will operate on a Sunday schedule on Tuesday. Certain bus routes that do not operate on Sundays will resume service on a weekday schedule.
• MetroAccess: Service remains cancelled Tuesday and is expected to be restored on Wednesday."

In the release, officials warned "residual effects of the storm are still possible. Customers traveling today should allow extra time. Buses may encounter detours due to downed trees, power lines or flooding.  Customers are encouraged to sign up for MetroAlerts for notification of delays or detours by email or text message."