Black ice is again expected to be a concern for the morning commute after it contributed to a massive pileup in Brooklyn and shut down a stretch of the Long Island Expressway Tuesday evening.
The National Weather Service issued black ice advisories for New York City and much of the rest of the tri-state through Wednesday morning. Motorists and pedestrians are urged to be cautious as sub-freezing temperatures turn wet roads and sidewalks icy. The areas that are most likely to have black ice include those that are unsalted, along with bridges and overpasses.
At least 21 cars were involved in a crash on the Gowanus Expressway near Sixth Avenue in Bay Ridge Tuesday evening, the NYPD said. Several people were hurt, and parts of the expressway were closed for hours as police responded.
In Suffolk County, the Long Island Expressway was closed from exits 68 to 71 in both directions because of black ice. Crews salted the roads and the expressway reopened by 8 p.m.
The wrecks came after Tuesday's snowstorm, the fourth in the last nine days.
Winter doesn't even officially begin until Saturday, and New York City is already above average for snowfall. Before Tuesday's storm, Central Park had already seen 7.1 inches in December, 3 inches more than normal for the month.
Last December, Central Park only had .4 inches the entire month. In an average winter season, Central Park gets 25.1 inches.
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Temperatures plummeted into the 20s overnight, but should rise above freezing Wednesday amid sunny skies. Clouds return late Thursday, and temperatures climb into the lower 40s.
Highs are expected to soar into the 50s Friday into Saturday, with a chance for 60-degree temperatures on Sunday.
Gowanus pileup Tuesday:
