No Groundhog Needed: Ice Will Make Driving Dangerous

It's a fact that Punxsutawey Phil is not the only groundhog who predicts the weather. Other prognosticating woodchucks include Staten Island Chuck and General Beauregard Lee of Georgia.

I say these furry marmots better be talking early springs this morning, or else.

(This just in: Phil and Chuck declared we're in for an early spring Wednesday morning. But Long Island's own Malverne Mel postponed his prediction because of the ice storm.)

The human forecasters at the National Weather Service say Wednesday's weather will be an ugly mix of  freezing rain early followed by rain as morning turns into afternoon. Driving throughout the day may be . The NWS says the ice may knock down trees and power lines and predicts dangerous travel during the morning.

Each day the "5 Things" column will tell you five essential pieces of information you need to know today, like events happening or community topics being covered on the site later on in the day. Have an event or topic that should appear in this column? Add it to the calendar or send us a news tip.

Here's what's scheduled Wednesday:

1. Stay with  all day for updates on road conditions, delays and cancellations, and other major news from the storm as it happens. Send us your storm photos and tell us what's happening in your neighborhood. Just email Plainview Editor Joe Dowd at joe.dowd@patch.com.

2.. The  has two free showings of the movie "Oceans," at 3:30 and 7 p.m.

3. The team travels to Massapequa for a competition Wednesday at 5:30 p.m.

4.  presents another weekly edition of "Understanding Women," where men can learn how women think and what they are looking for in a man. The event is held at 7:30 p.m. at the Cost is $25.

5. conducts its weekly Bible study program Wednesday. Classes meet weekly at 10:30 a.m and 7:30 p.m.  Beginners welcome.