NYC Deploys 8 Snow Melters After 15-Inch Storm

New York City sanitation officials deployed eight massive snow-melting machines across all five boroughs on Tuesday to clear streets, sidewalks and bus stops buried under more than a foot of snow from Winter Storm Fern, which struck on Sunday and dumped up to 15 inches in some areas.

The devices, often referred to as snow melters or hot tubs, can process between 60 and 120 tons of snow per hour by heating it to 38 degrees Fahrenheit and converting it to water, which is then directed into the sewer system with approval from the Department of Environmental Conservation. Acting Sanitation Commissioner Javier Lojan explained that the machines are essential because subfreezing temperatures have prevented natural melting, leaving snow piles that could obstruct pedestrian and business areas for weeks. "The snow is just not melting at all, and we want to make sure we have enough real estate for businesses and pedestrians to get around freely," Lojan said.

The storm marked the first time since 2021 that New York City had seen more than 12 inches of snow in a single event, with 11.4 inches recorded in Central Park and 14.9 inches in Washington Heights. Officials transported snow from...