If you thought winter was finally loosening its grip, think again. A dangerous ice storm is on its way, bringing freezing rain, dangerously slick roads, and the possibility of widespread power outages. Officials are urging New Yorkers to prepare now, as conditions could get ugly fast.
The storm is set to move in late Wednesday into Thursday morning, turning streets and sidewalks into ice-covered slip-and-slides. Expect travel nightmares, delays, and potential power outages as ice builds up on trees and power lines. If you have somewhere to be Thursday morning, you might want to rethink your plans.
Current Weather Conditions in New York
- Temperature: 32°F (0°C)
- Sky: Clear
 What’s Coming Next?
- Tuesday: A mix of sun and clouds, nothing too crazy. High of 45°F (7°C), low of 26°F (-3°C).
- Wednesday: Getting colder, high of 38°F (3°C), low of 31°F (0°C).
- Thursday: The real trouble begins. A mix of freezing rain, sleet, and light snow in the morning before turning into cold rain later. High of 41°F (5°C), low of 36°F (2°C).
The worst conditions will likely be Thursday morning, when freezing rain turns roads into ice sheets and makes sidewalks dangerously slick.
 What This Means for New Yorkers
 Roads Will Be an Ice Rink—Stay Off Them If You Can
Driving in freezing rain is no joke. Black ice—the nearly invisible, super-slick layer of ice that forms on roads—is one of the biggest hazards. Even if it looks like the pavement is just wet, it could be a disaster waiting to happen.
If you don’t absolutely need to drive, don’t.
- Â Drive slowly and leave extra room between cars
Avoid sudden braking—your tires won’t grip like they normally do
Stick to major roads, which will be salted first
Public transit could also be affected—expect delays, slippery train platforms, and slower service. If you take the subway or bus, give yourself extra time.
 Power Outages Could Leave Thousands in the Dark
Freezing rain is heavy, and when it coats tree branches and power lines, things start falling. That means we could see widespread power outages across the city.
What to do before the storm hits:
- Â Charge your phone and portable batteries
- Â Have flashlights and extra batteries ready
- Keep warm blankets and layers nearby in case the heat goes out
- Stock up on non-perishable food and bottled water
Slippery Sidewalks—Walk Like a Penguin!
It’s not just the roads that’ll be dangerous—sidewalks will be just as bad. A thin layer of ice can be impossible to see but incredibly easy to slip on.
- Â Wear boots with good grip
- Â Take small, careful steps
- Â Use handrails whenever possible
If you’re rushing to work or the train, don’t be that person who takes a nasty fall because you were moving too fast.
 What You Should Do NOW to Prepare
-  Avoid Driving If Possible – Ice-covered roads are a serious hazard. Stay home if you can.
-  Stay Updated on Weather Alerts – Conditions can change quickly. Follow updates from the National Weather Service and local officials.
-  Prepare for Power Outages – Have flashlights, batteries, and warm clothes on hand in case the lights go out.
-  Be Extra Careful Walking – Ice on sidewalks is hard to see but easy to slip on. Move slowly and wear proper footwear.