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SAN FRANCISCO — Authorities shut down two BART stations and stopped all trains into and out of the city for about an hour Tuesday after white powder was found in one of the cars. 

Fire, police and hazardous materials crews were sent to the Powell Street station to investigate. 

BART Police Sgt. John Junier said the powder was tested and found to be harmless. It was first reported by a Bay Area Rapid Transit employee. 

Authorities had no idea how many commuters were delayed as they headed to the East Bay. 

“It was a big headache for everybody,” Junier said. 

Melissa Losasso, 23, was delayed about a half-hour as she headed home to Berkeley. She didn’t know that white powder had caused the closure until BART reopened at 7:45 p.m. 

“I’d rather take the bus home, but I’m here so I’ll risk it again,” she said. “It’s kind of scary, but you just have to live with it.” 

About 325,000 commuters use BART each weekday.