Call it the snowball effect.
Days after breaking its 700-day snow drought, New York City saw more flurries falling Friday — but is now expecting a pesky few inches rather than the major storm first forecast.
Despite predictions for up to 5 inches, it now looks unlikely to be more than 2 or 3 inches, FOX News Meteorologist Mike Rawlins told The Post — calling it “more of a nuisance type snowfall for people.”
The first flakes were spotted in the region coming down at around 7 a.m., as crews throughout the Big Apple were out trying to salt the roads.
But the efficiency of that salt goes down as temperatures plummet — posing a problem to city crews as Saturday’s high temperature is only expected to be in the 20s, and wind chills could push the temperatures down into the single digits.
“It will be tough to start melting away a lot of that,” Rawlins said.
Connecticut should expect similar conditions, with temperatures in the 20s and low 30s — but with potentially fewer flurries.
“They’re really only going to get an inch or maybe less than that,” FOX News meteorologist Marissa Lautenbacher said.
“If you’re getting into upstate, there’s going to be even less actually unless you’re close to the Great Lakes,” meteorologist Nikki Nolan added, noting the storm will be bringing in lake effect snow.
Meanwhile, central New Jersey and the Philadelphia area could experience the worst of the snow — with three to five inches expected.
A snow emergency had already been declared in Philadelphia ahead of the storm, and all cars along snow emergency routes were ordered to be moved.
Mayor Eric Adams on Friday warned New Yorkers to “prepare for slick roads” and said he spoke with Gov. Kathy Hochul Wednesday night about conditions in Buffalo, insisting both cities were prepared.
Alternate side parking has been suspended.
“The Department of Sanitation will deploy a full set of salt spreaders and police want New Yorkers to try and make sure their property requirements are [up to scratch,]” Hizzoner said.
He also warned Gotham residents to be careful on their commutes.
The storm system will also bring the coldest air the region has seen in nearly a year, with Saturday expected to be the most frigid day — with wind chills pushing temps into the single digits.
The Big Apple will then see a respite from the cold snap next week, with temperatures expected to be in the 40s by Wednesday.
“We get back into above-freezing after Sunday. It’ll be pretty sunny and mild temperatures after that,” Nolan said.
With additional reporting by Aneeta Bhole