The 1 to 3 inches of wet snow that fell across the city early yesterday could be a relatively harmless preview of a snowstorm tonight and tomorrow, according to the National Weather Service.

The agency predicted yesterday that a winter storm coming up the East Coast could dump up to 6 inches of snow on the city between tonight and tomorrow morning, although the storm’s track and level of intensity had not yet been determined.

A spokesman for the city’s Department of Sanitation, Keith Mellis, said the city is tracking the storm.

He said yesterday’s snow was “a good warm up for us. It’s a long season, from November to April. A nice storm like this on Sunday, with less people out, gives us an opportunity to practice.”

The city yesterday mobilized “its first line of defense,” Mr. Mellis said, sending out 353 salt spreaders, which are equipped to plow if necessary. He said about 200 salt spreaders would be patrolling the five boroughs last night for icy conditions. Should tonight’s storm prove to be more severe, the department will mobilize both its salt-spreaders and its plow-fitted garbage trucks.

The city estimates that, on average, snow removal costs $1 million for each inch that falls. An official from the Port Authority said yesterday’s storm caused minimal delays at area airports and on the city’s bridges and tunnels.

The owner of Tarzian True Value Hardware in Park Slope, Paula Tarzian, said yesterday was a busy day for selling shovels, ice melt, and some holiday items.

“We always sell a lot in the early part of the season. By February, most people have their stuff,” she said.