LIRR's Port Jeff, Ronkonkoma trains delayed

Metal debris on the tracks at New Hyde Park Road caused major disruptions to Long Island Rail Road trains on Saturday afternoon.

A total of 12 trains were delayed and four were canceled in both directions on the Ronkonkoma and Port Jefferson lines between 12:20 and 1:40 p.m., LIRR spokeswoman Marjorie Anders said. Delays of up to only 10 minutes remained as of 3 p.m. on both lines, down from earlier reported one-hour delays, according to the MTA's website.

"We had a problem on the tracks because of debris that caused some damage," Anders said.

The debris has been removed, she said, and the LIRR is returning to its typical weekend operating schedule.