OK…I am Canadian, so I can talk intelligently about a few things pertaining to winter like hockey, skiing, snowshoes, making snow forts, ice wine, winter fashion, and…driving in the snow. I’ve written a blog about driving in winter (Check out the blog titled “Winter Driving: It's Already Hard Enough In Normal Conditions"…from the February archive)

But now we are talking about winter driving with a twist – it’s in NEW YORK CITY DURING RUSH HOUR! It’s a nightmare in the making unfortunately for commuters from around the Tri-State area, in particular those who travel from the other side of the Hudson in Jersey and Long Islanders from New York, of course. We’ve been forecasting heavy snow for Monday early morning through the daytime, and only tapering off in the late afternoon. Now, I know what driving in NYC is like, specifically in Manhattan during the best of times in terms of weather – bright sunshine, calm winds, etc.

One still has to deal with the cab drivers doing their thing – weaving in and out of traffic without signaling. Getting cutoff by the occasional overly assertive and dangerous driver is also a consideration. Let’s face it, in general are great people but very impatient on the road. That’s just the plain old truth. When you add bad weather into the mix, it just going to exacerbate the situation; I can picture the potential mess of fender benders, horns blaring, people gesturing in…in certain manners that are left to the imagination. Be honest, you can picture it too. But this scene isn’t particular, entirely to NYC and New Yorkers.

Anywhere there is snow and slippery conditions with travel reduced to a snail’s pace, you expect a similar reaction… so play it as safe as possible… breather… patience is a virtue…save your energy…”SERENITY NOW”… and take the day off if you can! Record and re-watch the Oscars if you can…or an NCAA basketball or NHL hockey game from Saturday or Sunday night… of course surf the web and visit us here at www.nbcweatherplus.com Tell us your winter travel stories in words or photos (pix@weatherplus.com)

Take care,

Gary