How is New York City melting its snow after the blizzard?

New York City is using giant snow melters, resembling 'hot tubs,' which can melt 60 to 120 tons of snow per hour by heating water into which excavated snow is dumped.

Why can't New York City rely on natural snowmelt?

Temperatures have remained below freezing, which impedes natural snowmelt, making artificial methods necessary for timely removal.

What is the priority for snow removal in New York City?

The city's priority is to clear bus roads to ensure residents can travel to work and school, especially with the threat of another blizzard.

Home / Weather / NYC's Snow Melt: Giant Hot Tubs Tackle Blizzard Aftermath

NYC's Snow Melt: Giant Hot Tubs Tackle Blizzard Aftermath

30 Jan

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Summary

Over a foot of snow blanketed parts of New York City.
Giant snow 'hot tubs' melt 60-120 tons of snow per hour.
2,500 city workers operate 24/7 to clear roads before next storm.

NYC's Snow Melt: Giant Hot Tubs Tackle Blizzard Aftermath

Following a historic winter storm that delivered over a foot of snow to parts of New York City, municipal crews are now working diligently to melt the remaining snow. Temperatures have remained below freezing, preventing natural melt and necessitating an accelerated removal process. The city is utilizing specialized snow melters, described as 'hot tubs,' capable of processing between 60 and 120 tons of snow per hour.

These machines work by trucks dumping excavated snow into heated water, rapidly melting it. The melted water is then filtered and directed into storm drains. This intensive effort involves more than 2,500 city workers operating around the clock. Their primary goal is to clear major bus routes, ensuring residents can travel to work and school, especially with the forecast indicating the possibility of another blizzard.

The use of these large-scale snow melters is not unprecedented in New York, having last been employed at this magnitude in 2021. Similar equipment is also used in other cities and at airports across North America to manage significant snowfall efficiently.