New York City's Snow Struggle Takes a Bizarre Turn as 'Snow Melters' Heat Up.
As the Big Apple grapples with its heaviest snowfall in years, the city's sanitation department is employing an unconventional strategy to thaw the frozen streets. The solution? Giant hot tubs that can melt up to 120 tons of snow per hour - a far cry from traditional snowplows or shovels.
The unusual contraptions have been part of the city's arsenal for at least two decades, with eight units now in operation to tackle the snow-laden streets. While some residents are breathing a sigh of relief as sidewalks and bus stops begin to clear, others remain frustrated by the prolonged delay in addressing the crisis.
"We want to melt because it's not going away anytime soon," said Acting Sanitation Commissioner Javier Lojan. The pressure is on, with forecasters predicting at least another week of frigid temperatures and the city's snowmelt operation struggling to keep pace.
As emergency snow shovelers are deployed to clear sidewalks and bus stops, some have expressed anger at the lack of progress, citing hazardous crosswalks that remain perilous days after the storm. Meanwhile, authorities are dealing with a grim reality: at least 10 people have died outside since Friday amid the extreme cold snap.
Sanitation officials stress that property owners bear primary responsibility for clearing the majority of sidewalks, but that the city's resources are being stretched to the limit. Amid the chaos, Sanitation spokesperson Joshua Goodman acknowledged that dumping snow in the river is not a viable option due to contamination with garbage and other waste.
In an effort to find new solutions, Mayor Zohran Mamdani has hinted at exploring innovative approaches to clear snow more quickly - though no specific plans have been unveiled yet. As Victoria Azarian's experience illustrates, the stakes are high for commuters navigating the treacherous streets, where a delay can prove disastrous.
As the Big Apple grapples with its heaviest snowfall in years, the city's sanitation department is employing an unconventional strategy to thaw the frozen streets. The solution? Giant hot tubs that can melt up to 120 tons of snow per hour - a far cry from traditional snowplows or shovels.
The unusual contraptions have been part of the city's arsenal for at least two decades, with eight units now in operation to tackle the snow-laden streets. While some residents are breathing a sigh of relief as sidewalks and bus stops begin to clear, others remain frustrated by the prolonged delay in addressing the crisis.
"We want to melt because it's not going away anytime soon," said Acting Sanitation Commissioner Javier Lojan. The pressure is on, with forecasters predicting at least another week of frigid temperatures and the city's snowmelt operation struggling to keep pace.
As emergency snow shovelers are deployed to clear sidewalks and bus stops, some have expressed anger at the lack of progress, citing hazardous crosswalks that remain perilous days after the storm. Meanwhile, authorities are dealing with a grim reality: at least 10 people have died outside since Friday amid the extreme cold snap.
Sanitation officials stress that property owners bear primary responsibility for clearing the majority of sidewalks, but that the city's resources are being stretched to the limit. Amid the chaos, Sanitation spokesperson Joshua Goodman acknowledged that dumping snow in the river is not a viable option due to contamination with garbage and other waste.
In an effort to find new solutions, Mayor Zohran Mamdani has hinted at exploring innovative approaches to clear snow more quickly - though no specific plans have been unveiled yet. As Victoria Azarian's experience illustrates, the stakes are high for commuters navigating the treacherous streets, where a delay can prove disastrous.
. Like, what's next? Using swimming pools on the streets to thaw roads? 
It's not ideal, I get it, but 8 units of these things is a lot! And yeah, people are getting frustrated with the whole situation. I don’t know about anyone else, but I'm just glad my local sidewalks aren't too bad... yet 
. It’s crazy to think that at least 10 ppl have died outside since Friday - that's insane 
. Can we just get some actual snow removal done already?! 
Oh man, I can feel the frustration and helplessness of those stuck in the snow in New York City! It's like, you're trying to go about your day-to-day life, but it feels like no one is listening or doing anything to help. The thought of those giant hot tubs melting snow per hour is actually kind of genius... I mean, who wouldn't want to melt away a ton of snow in minutes? 
it's like they're not even trying anymore! Giant hot tubs? That sounds crazy expensive 
and I don't think we need them to melt 120 tons of snow per hour...can't we just use something more conventional for once? 
Anyway, I feel bad for the residents who are getting frustrated 
I gotta say, giant hot tubs? It sounds like something out of a bad sci-fi movie 
. Like, what's next? Using giant blowtorches to clear sidewalks? 
- but it's just not enough. And let's be real, dumping snow in the river is basically a no-go due to contamination... that just makes me wonder what other weird solutions are being considered 
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. I mean, can't we just have one big snow day like that at school and everyone gets a 3-day weekend? 
And yeah, it's not fair to leave sidewalks all clogged up and people have to deal with slipping and falling. 
As someone who's been stuck in traffic on school mornings, I feel you, Victoria 
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it's one thing to rely on the city for primary snow removal and another to expect residents to clear their own. gotta be a system in place for both parties, you feel?
maybe these hot tubs can be part of a larger solution? but we need more concrete plans from our mayor before we get too excited 
. The city's got its priorities straight, doesn't it? Meanwhile, I'm stuck at home with a bunch of shovels and no heat 
. Can't wait to see how long it takes for these hot tubs to actually do something... probably just gonna be another 2-3 weeks before we're done with this mess 
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and the river thing? no thanks 
... I mean, who needs giant hot tubs to melt snow? Can't they just use those fancy new machines that do it all in one go? And what's with the city not having enough resources for actual snow removal? I get it, property owners have to take some responsibility, but come on, 10 people have died outside since Friday because of this?!