Oregon has called a disaster area until at least January 1st because of snow all the way to the ocean

 Washington hasn't called a disaster area yet but they are having snow all the way to the ocean too. But, less of snow problem in Seattle than in Portland, Oregon. Snow is expected to the ocean in Eureka and even further south in California as well. So, people not used to driving in the snow probably shouldn't if they aren't experienced snow drivers already. I remember when my son used to ride his bicycle to school from 15 to 17 in Mt. Shasta and back through over 1 foot of snow until one day his bike broke in two. Luckily he wasn't injured when it broke where the front wheel connects to the turning shaft on the bike. But, he was amazing at staying alive while riding a bicycle in the snow then.

Here it is 55 degrees and raining but our temperatures this near the California coast aren't supposed to go below 42 degrees this week even though it likely will be freezing about 10 to 20 miles inland from where we are here in the Greater SF BAY area.

IF you have to drive in the snow it is best if you have an All Wheel drive vehicle and it is an automatic transmission. The automatic transmission allows you to lightly lightly touch the floor throttle so your wheels don't spin when you first start out.

Just remember brakes are not useful at all (unless you are already stopped) because when you apply the brakes often your car will turn and skid sideways. So, don't use your brakes in the snow unless you are already stopped. But, if you have a front wheel drive this is the most dangerous vehicle to go downhill in the snow in because the front wheels often make the rear end of your car slide around if you are downshifted. So, use your hand brake (if you have one) with the button pushed in for safety to straighten out your car going downhill. But, uphill front wheel drives are okay if you have enough traction.

So, be careful if you have never driven in snow before and defer to other experienced snow drivers when possible so you can all stay alive and not crash into another vehicle, telephone pole, tree, house or snow drift where you have to try to dig out and get unstuck.

Merry Christmas!