At this time of year, it’s a good idea to pay close attention to the weather forecasts. Any storm that comes with high winds can affect ferry service, both the big ferry and the Chappy Ferry.

Now that there is no Norton Point breach, Dock street flooding will be more likely when strong winds come from most any direction. Folks used to refrain from driving their vehicles through salt water of even a few inches. Salt water splashed up onto the underside and into the brakes will very soon cause all kinds of mechanical problems.

But nowadays, it’s a devil may care attitude. When I warn drivers waiting in line that driving through a foot of water will ruin their brakes and eventually the body of their car, the common response is that it’s a lease and they don’t care. One person said that she had ice cream and wanted to get it home and into the freezer before it melted. Unless it’s at least $1,000 worth of ice cream, it’s not worth paying for a brake job.

But let’s assume that you do care about driving through salt water. Check the Chappy Ferry webcams before you head to the ferry. If the flood water is touching the steps of the Old Sculpin Gallery or is half-way across the Chappy Point paved parking lot, you will want to wait until later to go down there. If you get to the spot where Caleb’s Pond floods the paved road and the puddle is several hundred feet long, the water at the ferry is too high for the ferry to run anyway.

Remember that old saying: rust never sleeps.

Yoga with Jay continues at the Chappy Community Center every Sunday at 8:30 a.m.

Join your neighbors at the community center on Jan. 31 at 6 p.m. for a wine night. Bring your favorite bottle of wine, an appetizer and good conversation.