Cold Hands, Clear Paths: Embracing Winter in Northeaster Pennsylvania

It’s no secret—we’ve been getting a lot more snow this season than we have in recent years. And surprisingly, I’m beginning to not mind it.

That’s not something I would have said even a few winters ago. Snow used to feel like an interruption. An obstacle. Something that slowed everything down and made the morning routine just a little more frustrating. But this winter has been different. The snow has been consistent, predictable, and oddly familiar. Almost comforting.

Now, most mornings, I wake up to a fresh coat of snow waiting patiently on the walkway. I grab a shovel, clear a path, and move on with my day. What used to feel like a burden has become routine. The same goes for brushing off the cars after an overnight snowfall. It’s no longer a groan-inducing chore—it’s just part of the rhythm of winter.

And while we’re on that subject, let me offer a quick public service announcement: Don’t use a traditional snow brush. Use a snow broom. If you know, you know. It’s a game changer. Kudos to my car dealership clients who passed that trade secret along—once you use one, there’s no going back.

A few months ago, I wrote about my weight loss journey, and one thing I took for granted my entire life was natural body insulation. I’ll admit it—I miss that aspect of the weight a little. Cold hits differently now.

What I’ve learned, though, is that the key isn’t bulk—it’s layers.

These days, my winter wardrobe looks a lot different than it used to. Base layers are essential. Henley shirts have become a staple. Fleece-lined khakis, wool socks, and multiple tops depending on the day. It was a quick learning curve with some trial and error, but now I’ve got it dialed in. Instead of dreading the cold, I’m prepared for it—and handling winter with ease.

That mindset has carried over into how I move through Northeastern Pennsylvania during the winter months. Living and working in the Scranton area means snow doesn’t just affect our sidewalks—it affects how we drive, how we commute, and how we plan our day.

One habit I’ve picked up is making a point to check traffic updates before heading out, especially during or after a storm. If Interstate 81 has an accident, lane restrictions, or speed reductions, it can back traffic up for miles in both directions. Knowing that ahead of time can save you stress—and sometimes keep you out of harm’s way.

I’ll also reroute drives when conditions are rough. I tend to stick to the main arteries—roads like the Scranton Expressway, Green Ridge Street, Main Avenue, and other primary routes. These roads are usually plowed more frequently and treated sooner than side streets. It’s not always the fastest route on a clear day, but in winter, consistency and safety matter more than shaving off a few minutes.

Another important reminder: give plow trucks plenty of space. They’re doing critical work, often in poor visibility, and they need room to operate. Passing a plow or following too closely is a recipe for trouble. Slow down, hang back, and let them do their job.

At Hart Law, winter driving issues come up often—especially after snowstorms. One common misconception is that sliding on ice automatically excuses responsibility in a crash. That’s not always true. In Pennsylvania, drivers are still expected to operate their vehicles safely given the conditions. Weather is a factor, but it doesn’t eliminate legal responsibility.

The same principle applies to property owners. Snow and ice bring increased risk of slip-and-fall incidents, particularly on sidewalks, entryways, and parking areas. Property owners—whether homeowners, landlords, or business operators—have a duty to take reasonable steps to address hazardous conditions. The law doesn’t require perfection, but it does expect effort and awareness.

Frozen pipes, power outages, and water damage are also more common this time of year. Many insurance disputes arise not from the weather itself, but from delayed responses or lack of preventative measures. Winter has a way of exposing weak points—both in buildings and in planning.

That’s why education is such a big part of what we do. We’d much rather help people avoid problems than deal with the aftermath. If you’re interested in learning more about winter driving safety, car crashes, and how Pennsylvania law looks at these situations, you’ll find helpful resources on our website as well.

We’re also doing our best to embrace winter instead of hiding from it. Hart Law is involved in several outdoor and community events throughout the colder months, and we’d love for you to be part of them. You can learn more about what we’re up to by checking out our newsletter on our website at www.thehartofscranton.com , under the “Get Involved” tab.

Winter has a way of forcing perspective. It slows things down. It demands preparation. It rewards people who plan ahead and punishes those who ignore the conditions. In many ways, it’s not all that different from the legal world.

Whether it’s shoveling your walkway, layering up properly, brushing off your car the right way, planning safer routes through Scranton, or understanding your legal responsibilities, winter reminds us that small, consistent actions matter.

As for me, I’ll keep embracing the routine—shovel in hand, snow broom at the ready, layers dialed in, and a little more appreciation for that fresh coat of snow waiting outside each morning.

Stay warm. Stay safe. And as always—be smart.