Winter Weather Woes: NYC Braces for Slippery Surprise

Snow, Sleet, and Slippery Conditions Ahead

New York City is in for a wild weather ride this weekend. Snow is expected to start early Sunday, but it won't stay all snow for long. Meteorologists are predicting a switch to sleet, which could make things messy and dangerous.

What is Sleet?

Sleet happens when snowflakes fall through a warmer layer of air and melt, then refreeze into little ice pellets before hitting the ground. This mix of snow and sleet could make it harder to shovel and clear roads. The sleet might also create a slippery layer between the snow, making travel tricky.

How Much Snow and Sleet?

The amount of snow and sleet will depend on how far north the warmer air moves.

• If there's less sleet: The city could see up to a foot of snow.
• If sleet mixes in more: Accumulations will be lower, around 4 to 8 inches.

Either way, it's going to be cold.

Freezing Temperatures and Snow Management

Temperatures will stay below freezing for days, making it hard for snow to melt. The city's sanitation department is even planning to melt snow in giant hot tubs, something they haven't done since 2022. This process involves removing the snow and melting it down before disposing of it in the sewer system.

Preparing for the Weather

• For those planning to shovel: Be prepared for a workout. The snow won't be light and fluffy due to the sleet mix.
• For drivers: The roads might be extra slippery and harder to clear.