Get the Upper Hand on Snow

Fear this: You may approach an intersection on relatively clear pavement and encounter deep slush on the other roadway. (Thomson)

I think we're starting to win this battle. The snowfall -- while still impressive -- is starting to taper off. The combination of driving and plowing is beginning to show an effect on road conditions.

But it's far from over. Many of you will go to work late this morning. Here are some tips for getting there safely.

• It's going to take longer than you think to dig out the car. It's been three years since we've had to do this. There's a combination of deep snow and a little bit of ice on the cars. Make sure the roof, all the lights and the outside mirrors are clear.
• The worst conditions may be in your own neighborhood, because the plows are quite rightly concentrating on main roads at this point. Neighborhood conditions are a bit better than they were first thing this morning, because many drivers already have created paths along the streets.
• It's going to be very cold all day, so the windshield and side windows can ice or fog up very quickly. You may not notice this until you look to make a turn. Keep your headlights on -- and hope that everyone else does, too.
• Many of the main roads are now in decent shape for slow and careful driving. But surface conditions can change sharply in a very short space. Watch the space between lanes, too. You may encounter a line of slush that could cause you to slow or skid.
• While visibility is much better now than earlier this morning, the winds are gusty and the snow is blowing across the roads.
• Go easy on left turns. Turn lanes often seem to be the worst spots for slush. Don't overestimate how fast you can make the turn in the face of oncoming traffic.