It was a hard storm to pin down.

New Yorkers woke on Wednesday to blaring headlines about the nor'easter bearing down on their city, but saw only a light drizzle outside their windows.

By noon, only a few flakes had fallen, and they quickly turned into puddles or slush on the concrete. With nearly a foot of snow predicted for the city, doubts emerged. Sandals and light sweaters were spotted in Washington Heights. Skeptics even rang the National Weather Service to complain about the bum predictions.