A 'wintry mix'

Christmas, wrapped neatly in a nice New Year’s package, arrived Monday afternoon for local weather forecasters.

I can sum it up in two words: Wintry mix.

Get used to hearing them this morning and throughout the day.

That’s right, we’re about to deal with another winter weather event.

First things first. As we’re being breathlessly told by local TV types this morning, it’s doing absolutely nothing right now. Schools will be open. The roads actually are dry. So far, no harm, no foul.

Later in the day is what is – literally – up in the air.

We’re expecting to get a shot of snow, freezing rain, sleet and finally rain.

Just how big a problem this is going to be remains to be determined. It could be nothing; it could wind up like the Christmas Eve conditions that turned roads into ice rinks.

Whatever happens is supposed to arrive here around lunch time. For Delco it could start as snow or sleet. It will eventually turn over to rain tonight. But the drive home could be an adventure.

Then again, if you live in the infamous “northern and western suburbs” (and by all means call me if you can tell me exactly where these ’burbs are), it could be a lot different. Just realize that Allentown, the Lehigh Valley and the Poconos are now apparently part of the northern and western suburbs.

There you have it. What do you think the over/under might be on hearing this word tonight on TV: Treacherous.

It has become the buzzword when describing any kind of winter weather event’s effect on driving.

Then again, you might also hear this one: If you don’t have to go out, don’t.

Of course, that might not help you get home from the office.

Yep, the holidays are behind us. Now we get 90 days of dealing with these kinds of “winter weather events” every couple of days.

Don’t worry, if this one doesn’t develop, there will be another one a few days off in the extended forecast.

Wake me when spring arrives.

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