Don't mean to depress anyone just before quittin' time on Friday (especially when the weather this weekend could be one of the last hurrahs before the REAL fall weather kicks in), but it's time to start thinking about winterizing that car, truck or van.

As we no doubt all remember, last winter was just brutal and this winter is stacking up to be no better. Will your vehicle be ready to battle the elements?

Check out these vehicle winterizing tips from www.roadandtravel.com:

• Check windshield wiper blades to make sure they work properly.

• Check your anti-freeze/coolant to provide the correct level of protection required in your driving area.

• Have your tires been checked for the right level of inflation. If they're under-inflated, the gripping action the tires have on the snow can be reduced. Same with over-inflation.

• Keep the gas tank at least half-full at all times. It will reduce moisture problems in the fuel system and provide power to heat the vehicle should you become stranded.

• Keep an emergency kit in your vehicle at all times. Fill it with nonperishable snacks, bottled water, blankets and a flashlight among other items.

Well, it took all afternoon, but the sun decided to make an appearance in central Maine today. But most of you probably had a dreary commute this morning with wet roads and on-again, off-again drizzling rain.

Hydroplaning -- when water in front of the tire builds up quicker than your vehicle's weight can push it out of the way, causing you to lose control of your vehicle -- can be a scary experience for a driver of any age.

Check out these safety tips we found, courtesy of the National Safety Council:

1. You can prevent skids by driving slowly and carefully, especially on curves. Steer and brake with a light touch. When you need to stop or slow, do not brake hard or lock the wheels and risk a skid. Maintain mild pressure on the brake pedal.

2. If you do find yourself in a skid, remain calm, ease your foot off the gas, and carefully steer in the direction you want the front of the car to go. For cars without anti-lock brakes, avoid using your brakes. This procedure, known as "steering into the skid," will bring the back end of your car in line with the front. If your car has ABS, brake firmly as you steer into the skid.

3. Avoid hydroplaning by keeping your tires inflated correctly. Maintain good tire tread. Don't put off replacing worn tires. Slow down when roads are wet, and stay away from puddles. Try to drive in the tire tracks left by the cars in front of you.

4. If you find yourself hydroplaning, do not brake or turn suddenly. This could throw your car into a skid. Ease your foot off the gas until the car slows and you can feel the road again. If you need to brake, do it gently with light pumping actions. If your car has anti-lock brakes, then brake normally. The car's computer will automatically pump the brakes much more effectively than a person can do.

5. A defensive driver adjusts his or her speed to the wet road conditions in time to avoid having to use any of these measures.

It's still very much hurricane season, folks.

Bruce Fitzgerald, from the Maine Emergency Management Agency, said as Tropical Storm Kyle makes its way up the coast to Maine over the weekend, now is the time for families and businesses to evaluate their emergency preparedness, and that goes for driving.

The storm is expected to hit the Gulf of Maine this weekend.

Like driving in a flood, driving during a tropical storm or a hurricane is highly inadvisable.

Rob McAleer, Director of MEMA had this to say:

"The biggest threat to safety will be the potential for small stream flooding and high wave action in coastal areas. We urge everyone to pay close attention to weather warnings, and stay away from any flooded roadways, or fast-running streams."

That being said, if you must drive through inclement weather this weekend, be vigilant. Don't drive through a flooded roadway.

If you see a road barrier set up, turn around and go another way; chances are a road is washed out up ahead.

And if possible, don't drive!

It's finally started happening again: the crisp fall Maine mornings are resulting in condensation on vehicles in the morning (well, either the weather is changing or we've been sleeping in too late to notice the condensation before we leave for work).

You know what this means, folks: vehicle winterizing -- checking the antifreeze, tires and the like -- is just around the the corner.

We're looking to talk to a few folks for an upcoming column about what they do to get their car, truck or van ready for Maine winters. What do you do?

Drop us a line at 623-3811 ext. 431 or mmalloy@centralmaine.com and let's talk.

The Kennebec Commuter got a nasty surprise this morning — several feet of water in the parking lot of the apartment building we live in. The water was starting to lap at this writer's beloved car.

The Kennebec Commuter was lucky. Others, not so much.

What is one supposed to do if their car is flooded out?

Lauren Fix, “The Car Coach” has some tips which can be found on the Web site, www.familycar.com:

• Call your insurance company right away and tell them what happened.

• Do not try to move or start your car if the floodwaters are higher than the middle of your tires, as that can actually cause more damage to your vehicle. The electrical system can be damaged by the water if it gets high enough.

• Once the water recedes, call a tow truck to move the vehicle and ask for your trusted mechanic or technician to check for unseen damage.

Has this happened to you? Call the Kennebec Commuter at 623-3811 ext. 431 or drop an e-mail at mmalloy@centralmaine.com

With a flood watch for the Augusta area in effect, new rules for commuting apply.

Never drive through water that is over a road. Most cars will be swept away by flood waters in 18 inches of moving water, according to the Web site, www.floodsafety.com.

Taking a route on higher ground, even if it is out of your way, is always a safer bet.

A flood warning for most of Maine is currently in effect and showers are expected to continue all through the night, according to the National Weather Service.

No vehicle accidents have been reported this afternoon.

Don't get too excited about this springtime weather.

The weekend is expected to be a snowy one, which may halt some travel plans (unless you're headed to Sugarloaf).

The commute home is slated to be easy, with no reported vehicle accidents in Augusta or the surrounding communities.

Think you know where the most accident-prone intersections in Maine are? The answer may be closer to you than you think. Check out Sunday's Kennebec Journal or Morning Sentinel for our look at Maine's busiest intersections and where you're most likely to be involved in a car crash.

You knew the spring weather couldn’t last.

The National Weather Service had to be a killjoy and report that after this almost balmy day, central Maine will once again be slammed by freezing rain and snow, which could hinder travel plans for the weekend.

The inclement weather is expected to start this evening.

Planning on driving somewhere this weekend? Be sure to check out the Kennebec Journal online for updates on closings and cancelations.

For the commute home this afternoon, expect an easy drive; no traffic accidents have been reported by area law-enforcement agencies.

A colleague of the Kennebec Commuter's mentioned something of interest this afternoon: people who don't take the time to clear snow and ice off the top of their vehicles.

The simple act of clearing your car or truck roof of snow can actually prevent a driving hazard, as the snow can clump up, fly off the top of your vehicle, and hit the windshield of the person driving behind you, blocking their vision.

Keep an extended ice scraper in your vehicle and take a few minutes in the morning or evening to clear accumulated snow or ice off the top of the vehicle.

Despite inclement weather, area law-enforcement agencies did not report any traffic accidents in southern Kennebec County.

We might not be so lucky this time around.

After dodging what was supposed to be a doozy of a snow storm earlier this week, central Maine is supposed to get slammed with another storm starting tonight and continuing all day tomorrow, according to the National Weather Service.

With a forecast of up to 10 inches of snow, plus intermittent rain showers, driving may turn nasty for those who brave the road.

The roads right now are reportedly clear of accidents for the drive home, area law-enforcement agencies said.

Get home while you still can; the commute home tonight could turn slick.

Though no vehicle accidents have been reported in Augusta or around Kennebec County, soon-to-be-slick roads and up to 10 inches of snow could change that.

“We haven’t had any (accidents) yet; don't jinx us!” a dispatcher for the central communications center joked this afternoon.

Why include the ominous “yet”? Our friends at the National Weather Service are predicting periods of snow and sleet all night, which could accumulate up to 10 inches.

Don’t worry; it gets better. Tomorrow’s drive to work is expected to be met with additional snow showers. The moral of the story? Don’t drive tomorrow if you don't have to (and if you’re a state employee, or a school-age child, you won’t be).

Be sure to check out the Kennebec Journal online tomorrow morning for local closings before hitting the (slick) streets.

Can you believe it?

The New York metro is getting its first heavy snowfall of the season today. By the time the Yankee-lovers’ storm tapers off tomorrow, the city is expected to boast about five to seven inches of the white stuff.

We’ve got plenty of it up here and we’re getting a bit more right now. But that shouldn't phase anyone. The National Weather Service is forecasting a total accumulation of one to two inches during the day with another one to three inches possible tonight.

Area police are reporting scattered accidents with varying degrees of severity this afternoon, though nothing that should snarl up traffic too badly for the evening commute.

Use caution and drive slowly on your way home from work today. You don’t want to be the cause for a big backup, do you?

-Matt Stone

Meghan Malloy is on vacation.

A loyal reader e-mailed the Kennebec Commuter today, saying the pile of snow in her yard looked like it was stacked up about 100 inches.

While central Maine probably hasn't been covered in 100 inches of snow (yet, that is), we're looking for snowfall totals from all towns in Kennebec County.

It might be a good weekend to stay off the roads and indoors.

After several on-again-off-again snows storms staring Tuesday, the National Weather Service is projecting central Maine will get more — what else — snow.

Augusta Public Works director John Charest said his plow crews have been trying their best to keep up with the snow.

"The guys hate these little storms," Charest said. "They'd rather get six to 10 inches and just deal with it."

Charest said crews will work diligently up until the beginning of the weekend Friday and will more than likely return Saturday afternoon.

They may have to return sooner than that. The National Weather Service is projecting intermittent snow shower all weekend, with the bulk of the inclement weather supposed to hit Saturday night.

"These little storms are a killer," Charest said. "(The plowers) keep going round and round and it can feel like you don't get anything accomplished."

Today's snowfall did not cause as many accidents as yesterday's, area dispatchers say, but drivers should remain cautious.

The northbound ramp to get to Augusta from Interstate 95 had to shut down this morning because slick, snowy roads, but opened up again before the the closure could cause any serious tie-ups.

Augusta police reported lots of sliding cars and small fender benders, but only one accident with injuries.

The snow is expected to continue tonight and tomorrow, according to the National Weather Service.

Today's sudden snow storm kept our local law enforcement agencies on their toes.

When asked how many accidents the Kennebec County Sheriff's Office had to respond to today, the dispatcher laughed and said, "A million."

Kennebec County had several property damage accidents, but none of the accidents had serious injuries.

"There were damages, but luckily no injuries," the dispatcher said..

Augusta police were more fortunate. A dispatcher from the department said there were few accidents in the capitol city, aside from someone who apparently drove into the door of Wendy's restaurant on Western Avenue. Police are still on scene investigating, but no injuries are believed to have happened.

As a storm with a nasty mix of snow, sleet and freezing rain heads for central Maine today, Augusta police are warning motorists to stay off the roads unless it’s an emergency.

“We’ve gotten some warnings from Kennebec County Emergency Management we could expect some icing and power outages,” said Lt. Christopher Read. “We expect the roads to get icy.”

Read said Augusta public works crews are ready to go.

He said if people must be on the roads, “use extreme caution. Brake and turn very cautiously.”

Though there’s talk of precipitation, the National Weather Service said there’s little chance of the Augusta area receiving much snow. Cold temperatures are still in the cards, however.

Our friends at Goodyear Tires have provided these following tips to ensure your car is ready to handle bitterly cold temperatures:

1. Check the antifreeze and other fluids, including windshield washer solution.

2. Inspect the hoses — replace if weak.

3. Replace any belts that are cracked or glazed over.

4. Change to winter weight oil.

5. Check tire pressure (including spare).

6. Inspect the exhaust system for holes and leaks — exhaust fumes are doubly dangerous when windows are tightly closed!

For tonight’s commute: roads in and around the capital city are clear of accidents, as reported by area law enforcement agencies.

Weather officials from the National Weather Service predict central Maine will have to endure more bitterly cold temperatures and snow over the next few days.

The roads in Augusta and Kennebec County are clear of accidents this afternoon for the drive home, according to several local agencies.

In extreme cold temperatures such as the snap central Maine has been going through, it is imperative to make sure that your vehicle is still properly winterized, including a check of oil and antifreeze.

Also, avoid accelerating too quickly before your vehicle has had a chance to warm up, according to our friends at AAA. Accelerating with a cold engine contributes to engine failure.

No one wants to venture out on the roads on a day like today, but some unlucky folks have to brave the roads. It seems the only thing worse than having to go out is getting stuck in a snowdrift with no way to get your car out.

Worry not, our friends north of the border (who are probably just as, if not more, familiar with these driving condition than Mainers) at the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety said.

There are some basic tips on what to do if your vehicle becomes stuck in a snowdrift:

• Avoid overexertion and overexposure to the cold.

• Stay in the car if you cannot shovel your car out of the snow —or in in blizzard conditions —do not leave the car for assistance unless help is visible within 100 yards.

• Turn on flashing lights or set up flares

• Run the car engine 10 minutes every hour to provide heat. Ensure that the tail exhaust pipe is free of snow and keep the window opened slightly, on the side shielded from the wind, to prevent the build up of carbon monoxide when the engine is running.

• Bundle up in a blanket, and wear a hat and scarf — the head and neck are major sources of heat loss from the body.

• Do not fall asleep. If there is more than one person in the car, take turns sleeping.

• Do not stay in one position too long. Do some exercises to help the circulation — move arms and legs, clap your hands, etc.

• Watch for traffic or rescuers

Slick streets meant constant vehicle accidents on the fringes of the capital city and throughout central Maine.

Several accidents were reported, according police radio broadcasts, with quite a few resulting in roll overs.

In the capital city itself, accidents were minimal, according to Augusta police dispatch.

“Things have actually been pretty quiet,” a dispatcher said.

That isn’t carte blanche to drive as though the streets are clear, however. Take a few extra minutes tonight on the drive home and slow down.

The National Weather Service projects the rain and freezing temperatures will continue throughout tonight, but will dry up tomorrow.

The weather might be great, but the melting snow is a potential danger for drivers, Winthrop police say.

While the snow melts during the day, at night temperatures brush freezing and the dark pavement becomes icy.

“With the warm days we’ve been having, drivers need to be careful at night and look out for black ice patches,” Winthrop police Sgt. Dan Cook said. “Luckily, we haven’t had any reports of trouble with this out here.”

Black ice on roads and bodies of water is extremely dangerous — and sometimes fatal — because it does not contain any air bubbles, which makes it transparent and often takes the color of whatever is atop it.

Avoiding it can be easy, though, Cook said.

"Just slow down."

Want to know what else is affected by the rapidly melting ice and snow? Check out Thursday's Kennebec Journal.

Though the weather could not be more perfect today, we still have to remember it’s January in Maine, and we’re bound to get snow again. One of the scarier aspects of driving on ice and snow is trying to brake safely, especially if you have anti-lock brakes. The same could be said on a nice day like today, when snow is melting all over the roads and there’s a likely chance you could hydroplane.

Although more snow is expected for tonight and New Year's Day, the evening commute should be clear, Augusta Police Officers said.

There were numerous minor accidents caused by people slipping and sliding on early morning yet-to-be-plowed roads. Even if you're working the late shift, the roads, now well plowed, should be snow-free until the early morning hours.

Caution is the name of the game when driving home tonight.

New snow fall and some sleet earlier this afternoon may result in slippery roads. Dispatchers in Winthrop said they are taking several calls of vehicles sliding off the roads, though no accidents have been reported.

As area police struggled today to keep up with vehicle accidents, plowing crews worked to clear roads in Augusta and surrounding areas.

Augusta Police Lt. J. Chris Read said police responded to numerous, starting at 5 a.m.

“I’m glad to say none of them had injuries,” Read said. “Mostly, people just slipping off the roads.”

Capt. John Perkins of the Kennebec County Sheriff’s Office said his agency had several calls on accidents, but none of them were severe.

Route 202 on the Winthrop/Manchester line was closed this afternoon so authorities could assess an accident there and treat the victim for minor injuries, Winthrop dispatchers said.

So why are the streets so slick into the afternoon?

“I know crews are out plowing,” Read said. “They’re trying to catch up.”

Perkins echoed Read’s sentiments.

“Crews are actively plowing, but due to the long, drawn-out nature of this storm, it’s been hard for them to clear all the roads, then go back and scrape them again,” Perkins said. “That’s probably why people are having a harder time with the roads than usual.”

Get the snow shovel and the 4-wheel drive ready; Augusta is going to be hit with more snow tonight and tomorrow.

The National Weather Service is projecting the capital region will be at the center of the storm later this evening. The snow — possibly up to seven inches — will continue into Thursday night.

The good news? No sleet or freezing rain is expected.

The other good news? You’ll probably have an easy time getting home before the snow starts.

No accidents have been reported to the Augusta Police Department or to the Kennebec County Sheriff’s Office.

Stay tuned to the Kennebec Journal’s web site for updates.

Maine State Police have ordered the speed limit lowered on the Maine Turnpike to 45 mph from Exit 109 in Augusta to Kittery.

The advisory was issued in response to winter driving conditions in a 4:15 statement from the Maine Turnpike Authority.

So take caution driving home from work and school tonight; snow is already starting to fall and is expected to continue into the night.

The wintry weather from the past week has already caused a slew of accidents, including one crash that severely injured a teenage girl Wednesday as she and another minor female were driving to school. The vehicle collided with a pickup truck, pinning one of the girls inside and causing several fractures, Maine State Police Trooper Ryan Brockway said.

The girl’s age and name have still yet to be released.

Around the Augusta area, four minor accidents today have been cleared, according to the dispatch center. The Kennebec County Sheriff’s Office said no accidents were active at 4 p.m.

A parking ban has been put into effect in the city of Augusta from 5 p.m. tonight to 5 p.m. tomorrow for road crews to prepare for the storm expected to hit central Maine.

Good thing: The National Weather Service is projecting a winter storm starting around rush hour tonight will turn nasty later this evening, with possible freezing rain.

Morning commuters are expected to wake up to more snow, as the Weather Service projects Augusta will get another dusting of snow in the morning and early afternoon.

The city of Waterville has its usual winter parking ban in effect, which states no vehicle can park on the road from midnight to 6 a.m.

It's easy driving for your commute home tonight, with the few, minor accidents caused by slippery roads this morning cleared out.

But while the roads may be dry now, don't count on them staying that way.

According to the National Weather Service in Gray, tomorrow's commute could look much like this morning's: Wet and slow.

The Weather Service is predicting a chance of snow, mainly after 4 p.m., with less than a half-inch of accumulation possible. So, take it slow, let your cars warm up and drive with caution.

It’s no secret we Mainers can weather a tough winter. However, mounds of snow, gusting winds and glare ice are conditions that can injure — or even kill — the most experienced driver.

As Hanukkah starts this week, and Christmas follows a few weeks after, millions of Americans will take to our nation’s highways and interstates to see family. And unless you’re lucky enough to live in Florida or the deserts of the Southwest, chances are good you’ll run into winter driving conditions.

Staying safe while on the road may seem like common sense to most drivers, but an accident can happen to anyone in the span of second.

The Maine Department of Transportation has posted the following facts and tips on its Web site, http://www.maine.gov/mdot/

* More than 7,000 crashes occur on snow- and ice-covered roadways each year in Maine.
* Snow- and ice-covered roads greatly reduce your ability to brake and maneuver.
* Four-wheel drive does not reduce stopping distances, so slow down and leave plenty of following distance from the vehicle ahead.

Be sure to check out the site weekly for new tips, and to find out about accidents in your area, or construction that could hinder holiday travel.

The snow has finally stopped and the roads are clearing, ensuring a safer drive home tonight.

A speed advisory on the turnpike that slowed traffic to 45 mph has been lifted. Augusta and state transportation officials have been diligent in sanding and salting streets.

Despite the heavy snow, local law enforcement agencies reported few vehicle accidents today and yesterday.

But don’t put away that ice scraper just yet. The National Weather Service is expecting an additional dusting tomorrow afternoon into the evening.

As the snow swirls into drifts, school children and state workers alike are enjoying a short day.

Many school children had the day off due to the blizzard; and Gov. John Baldacci said Maine state government would close at 2 p.m., a “responsible reaction to the poor weather.”

Police in central Maine were happy to report that, despite the heavy snowfall, they had not heard of many vehicle accidents.

"I don't think we've gotten more than a couple (accident report) police Lt. J. Chris Read said this morning.

Read said his best advice for people today is to "only go out if you have to."

"I know road crews are working as hard as they can right now, but if the snow is falling an inch per hour, it can be difficult to keep up," Read said. "People should just continue to drive carefully."

On the turnpike, the Maine Turnpike Authority has reduced the speed limit to 45 mph from the Augusta exit at mile marker 109 to Kittery, until further notice.

Not everyone is avoiding the roads, however. Several snowmobilers were seen in rural Hallowell this afternoon, taking advantage of the wintry conditions.

The Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife said Monday it has sent an e-mail to some 8,000 snowmobilers that links them to two safety videos: an 18-minute safety video titled “Ride Right, Ride Smart,” and a video on cold water survival.

The storm is expected to intensify, according to the National Weather Service. New snow accumulation between 4 and 8 inches is expected tonight.

The snow is expected to continue into tomorrow, with a projected additional 2 inches of snow, according to the NWS.

Accidents were abundant this morning as freezing rain coated Augusta area roads in ice, turning them into treacherous ice rinks.

At leave 40 vehicle accidents were reported to various law enforcement agencies this morning, several of them roll-over crashes.

One such accident near Monmouth on Route 135 left a Monmouth man unscathed, luckily. Jeremy Gatcomb, 23, lost control of his sedan on an icy corner, and rolled over, striking a tree, Winthrop police Sgt. Dan Cook Winthrop said.

“I believe he was wearing his seat belt,” Cook said. Gatcomb was not injured and did not need to be taken to the hospital.

The Maine Department of Transportation has a handy web site for drivers to check before braving the streets this winter. Check out www.511maine.gov, and click on your region to get the scoop on up-to-the-minute driving conditions for your area.