New York, NY – New York City drivers are being urged to use caution Tuesday night into Wednesday morning as temperatures are expected to drop sharply following a round of rain. The National Weather Service says lingering surface moisture could freeze rapidly overnight, creating black ice across city streets and major routes like the FDR Drive, Cross Bronx Expressway, and I-278.
A flash freeze occurs when temperatures plunge below freezing in a short time, turning wet pavement into an invisible layer of ice. These conditions often develop after warm daytime temperatures give way to a quick Arctic drop overnight.
Experts say that on icy roads, a car traveling just 35 mph can require up to 600 feet to stop, compared to 60–100 feet on dry pavement. Motorists are urged to slow down, increase following distance, and avoid sudden braking during early morning hours.
“Even though precipitation will end, the danger begins once temperatures fall,” the NWS warned in a Tuesday evening advisory. “Expect slick conditions for the Wednesday morning commute.”
Commuters in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, and the Bronx should allow extra travel time and use caution on bridges, ramps, and shaded roads through late Wednesday morning as temperatures remain below freezing.
