A sprawling mosaic of ice has taken hold of New York City's waterways, stretching nearly halfway to New Jersey along the Hudson River. The mesmerizing sight has captivated residents and visitors alike, with many braving the chill to take in the breathtaking view.
While some might wonder if the city's waterways could freeze over completely, experts say this is unlikely. Shannon Roback, science director of nonprofit group Riverkeeper, attributes this to the high salinity of the Hudson and East rivers, as well as the strong tidal currents that keep the water flowing. "It's extremely rare for the Hudson River to freeze completely in New York City," Roback notes.
The ice blocks, or floes, are not only a curiosity but also have historical significance. In fact, much of the ice clogging the rivers came from elsewhere, with some originating from higher upriver areas where freshwater dominates. The deep shipping channels and warmer climate make a full freeze even more improbable in these modern times.
The tidal action further inhibits ice formation, mixing warmer water with the surface and preventing solid sheets from forming. As a result, slushy, thin ice will prevail instead. While some rivers may experience partial freezes during cold snaps, a complete lockup is highly unlikely.
Residents are indeed making the most of this unusual spectacle, marveling at the beauty and stillness it creates. "It's magical," says Manhattan resident Linus Adolfsson, who enjoyed taking in the views with his dog by his side.
The icy Hudson River has been a source of fascination for centuries, providing an unexpected edge to military forces like George Washington during the Revolutionary War. In the 19th century, ice played a crucial role in transportation and entertainment, including mail delivery and sleigh rides.
While the rivers may not freeze completely, the experience of watching these massive floes drift down the river is a unique one that has captivated many. As Brooklyn resident Carl Holvick observed, "It seems almost treacherous, but then you look out in the distance, and it's just pretty awe inspiring and impressive."
While some might wonder if the city's waterways could freeze over completely, experts say this is unlikely. Shannon Roback, science director of nonprofit group Riverkeeper, attributes this to the high salinity of the Hudson and East rivers, as well as the strong tidal currents that keep the water flowing. "It's extremely rare for the Hudson River to freeze completely in New York City," Roback notes.
The ice blocks, or floes, are not only a curiosity but also have historical significance. In fact, much of the ice clogging the rivers came from elsewhere, with some originating from higher upriver areas where freshwater dominates. The deep shipping channels and warmer climate make a full freeze even more improbable in these modern times.
The tidal action further inhibits ice formation, mixing warmer water with the surface and preventing solid sheets from forming. As a result, slushy, thin ice will prevail instead. While some rivers may experience partial freezes during cold snaps, a complete lockup is highly unlikely.
Residents are indeed making the most of this unusual spectacle, marveling at the beauty and stillness it creates. "It's magical," says Manhattan resident Linus Adolfsson, who enjoyed taking in the views with his dog by his side.
The icy Hudson River has been a source of fascination for centuries, providing an unexpected edge to military forces like George Washington during the Revolutionary War. In the 19th century, ice played a crucial role in transportation and entertainment, including mail delivery and sleigh rides.
While the rivers may not freeze completely, the experience of watching these massive floes drift down the river is a unique one that has captivated many. As Brooklyn resident Carl Holvick observed, "It seems almost treacherous, but then you look out in the distance, and it's just pretty awe inspiring and impressive."
And don't get me wrong, it looks super cool (pun intended) from afar, but let's not forget that we're talking about waterways in NYC here - the temperature fluctuations might be a bit wonky. Still, I guess it's awesome to see the history and science behind all this icey drama 
... just don't expect me to trade my flip flops for a parka anytime soon 
i know some ppl might think its gonna freeze over like totally but experts say nope thats not gonna happen 
shannon roback from riverkeeper said it in an interview that the hudson and east rivers are super salty and theres strong tidal currents that keep the water movin 
linus adolfsson who lives in manhattan took his dog out there and said it was "magical" 
and i feel u linus lol. its like somethin outta a movie or somethin 
I'm loving this unexpected sight along the Hudson River! The ice floes are like nothing we've seen before. It's crazy to think about how much of them came from higher upriver areas where freshwater dominates 
. And you're right, with the tidal currents and warmer climate, it's super unlikely for the whole river to freeze completely 
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. It's moments like these that remind us of how beautiful and unique our city can be.
It's crazy to think about how it's been happening for centuries, from George Washington's time to now. But, yeah, it's not gonna freeze all the way to Jersey... experts say so! 
Still, it's amazing what a little cold can do to our waterways. I love that people are out there enjoying the view and making the most of this unique moment. It's moments like these that remind us how beautiful (and unpredictable) life is 
it's like something out of a movie! 
but seriously, it's wild to think about how rare this is. science expert shannon roback says it's super unlikely for the river to freeze completely. 
i think it's still pretty cool that we get to witness this natural phenomenon, even if it's not as epic as people might be hoping 
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! i mean some ppl think its crazy 2 believe ths is actually happenin , but experts say its super unlikely 4 the whole river 2 freeze over 
. And can you imagine George Washington's military forces using this as a strategic advantage? Mind blown! This is actually kinda like that time when the polar vortex brought -20°C weather to NYC back in 2014... talk about extreme weather events 
I mean, who needs Miami Beach when we got a frozen Hudson River? 