The Big Chill

Although winter officially begins on December. 21st, it's practically here already. Of course the local news media is hyping an urgent developing story, more commonly known as "The Weather."
This time the spectacular hazards involve cold temperatures and a little snow in the lower elevations. If that weren't bad enough, this stunning "wintry mix" could also include some ice and slick spots on the roads!
It's almost as if the weather reporters have already forgotten the snowstorm of 2003, which blanketed the entire metro area all the way down to sea level. More likely the news peddlers are just resorting to the old practice of freaking people out in order to sell their product.
The fright market must be doing pretty good around here these days, given the vast numbers of new residents who (apparently) aren't the slightest bit familiar with the effects of seasonal rain and snow. Many of them will unwittingly risk lives in the course of figuring it all out. Maybe the "urgent storm bulletins" will help educate some of these new folks about other useful tips along the lines of:

-This is the Pacific Northwest. It rains often and even gets freezing cold here. Just ask a native, if you can still find one.
-Utilize your wardrobe accordingly. Shorts and flip-flops might be uncomfortable for a time.
-Sometimes when the weather gets bad, the power goes out, trees fall down and rivers flood.
-Posted speed limits don't necessarily apply when asphalt becomes wet, or coated with ice.
-No matter what you thought you heard at the dealership, your SUV is subject to the same laws of physics as any other automobile, or even a skateboard for that matter.
-Unsure of how to drive in challenging conditions? Study up or better yet, please do yourself and everyone else a favor by staying home.

For people who don't need any of these reminders, it is wise to consider the presence of those who do; especially when braving the conditions out on the roads. Maybe that "alert" should be added to the local media's "Winter Survival Guide."