NJ Transit warns riders to be prepared for crawling commute

New Jersey Transit officials warned riders to be prepared for a crowded, crawling Tuesday morning commute due to earlier weather-related damage.

Whipping winds from a power nor'easter downed electrical wires Monday afternoon in Linden, taking several train tracks out of service.

Amtrak was forced to suspend service for Northeast Regional and Acela Express trains in New Jersey, and NJ Transit suspended service on the Northeast Corridor and the New Jersey Coast Line for the same reason.

"Amtrak personnel worked to clear the wires as quickly as possible however power was lost to the signal system forcing trains to proceed at dramatically reduced speed through the area," NJ Transit said in a statement. "This resulted in numerous trains being delayed at both Newark Penn Station and New York Penn Station with significant crowding at stations along that route."

Frustrated travelers took to Twitter Monday night to complain about the long delays and crowded conditions.

NJ Transit said Amtrak crews were working to restore the signal system in the Linden area. But officials warned customers of potential delays if the work is not completed before the morning rush.

The transit agency urged riders to check its website before traveling.