The weather here in NC is just ridiculous.

YESTERDAY, it was over 70 degrees. I sat outside in Tshirt, capris and flip-flops by our pool and read magazines.

Today it is 34 degrees and snowing, although it isn't sticking to anything but the grass. How absolutely stupid.

So it's really difficult to know what to expect with driving. We really only get about one or two "real" snows per winter, and lots more of sleet and ice. So no real opportunity to practice, I suppose.

It sucked living in the mountains and having to drive up and down a winding road that went up 3000 feet when it was snowing like crazy. The good thing is that after that, driving in any situation is easy.

I'd be happy to live without the ridiculous cold we've had the past few days, but I'll always prefer cold over hot. Most of the time, it's really nice here (no humidity, ever) and I like the snow.

wow

that has got to be scary

switchbacks are always fun

I am in the Chicago area. Right now it's a balmy 3.4 degrees and the wind chill is -8. We just wear lots of layers. Tomorrow we're supposed to get up to 24 degrees...woohoo!

AGDee is right about some places being more prepared. Some years ago my friend from SC was talking about how his state was pretty much shut down for some snow (I don't remember the exact amount but it was something fairly routine for Chicago), and he mentioned the two snowplows in his county couldn't keep up, and there was no salt. We have at least 10 plows/salt trucks in my town alone!

There was wind chill advisorary last night around Chi-town. Not a good time for our furnace to go out. Luckly my husband and I have a friend in heating and cooling who came over at 10:00p.m. to fix our heat. Right now its 5 degrees, but feels like -10, but it is still sunny!! ;)

I would rather live here in the Mid-west where it gets colder in the winter, then down south where it gets hotter in the summer. At least when it gets cold you can keep layering and put things on...when the heat gets unbearable for me here in Chicago there is only so much I can take off. I can't even imagine living in a place were it gets even hotter!!

Its a beautiful 0 right now in WI. This thread asked how we deal with this. Swearing. Lots and lots of bitching and complaining about how cold it is.

I've always been a fan of drinking to keep warm.

Today was the coldest day of the year in Montreal. It was nuts! I am so ready for summer!

It was in the 30s today-if it is below 40 degrees I will not go outside. Give me the heat any day, I hate cold weather. It has been so warm this winter mostly in the 60s and 70s, it was 85 degrees 2 days ago. I like those type of winters. Can't wait for spring which should be here in 2-3 weeks.

i learned to drive in oklahoma city, in a 1978 monte carlo. snow, ice, no prob. for now, i'm in md where people CAN'T DRIVE in snow, ice or EVEN RAIN.

when i had my mom's old car, she had snow tires...something i've never seen on anyone's car here.

oh, btw, we really never needed snow chains...

We got up to about +2 today in central WI - but last night it was about -15 with a -30 windchill (glad I got my shoveling done yesterday morning before the snow crusted over!). Tonight they are expecting about a -45 windchill.

As previously stated, layers, layers, layers - and also a working knowledge of how to deal with frostbite and frozen ears/fingers/toes/etc. Oh yeah, and to be thankful that you have a garage when you go to start your car in the morning - because it will actually start!

Sarah

They don't even sell snow tires here in OK. You generally won't need chains, but a VW doesn't weigh enough to go without them sometimes. Plus, we live on a private drive that is minimally paved, and partially submerged, so without snowplows or sand machines coming around, chains can be lifesavers.

I take it you went to high school in the metro, which high school?

It so sad though, people here will race a tornado down the road or drive in pelting rain, but if there is a tiny bit of ice or snow, they act like the world is ending.

It's freezing here right now. Today while we were out I saw two young girls wearing mini skirts with Uggs. I can't imagine what made them think that was a reasonable decision.