<p>I think the best way to describe driving in Western NY in the winter is to say that it’s unpredictable. After having done it for 30+ years now, I can tell you that you can start out with clear skies and dry roads, and within a very short time/distance be in the midst of snowsqualls and ice. The only place, in all the driving we’ve done all over two countries, where we’ve had real difficulty with horrible winter weather, and where we’ve experienced having to get off the highway because it was impassable during a storm, has been in Western NY. I realize that $900 is a lot of money but if at all possible I wouldn’t make the decision as to which airport to use based solely on this, particularly for an inexperienced driver who hasn’t driven in the snow and has never made this drive. The fact that the thruway is basically surrounded by large acreage of open fields for practically its entire length, makes the possibility of driving difficulty during bad weather a true reality. It does tend to be plowed fairly regularly during a storm, or has in previous years anyway, but, in our experience, not as thoroughly or as often as the side roads. The towns and cities seem to do a better job of it than the state does. Big surprise! :)</p>
<p>The hotel reservation is a good idea, just in case. Maybe she’ll be lucky and there will be clear sailing next week. If not, I hope she has snow tires on her car!</p>