I'd be more careful driving in the rain due to the increased power than anything. Probably much easier to spin a wheel than before. As long as you aren't driving through really deep water I don't think you would have an issue.
Also using the thinnest oil you can, 0w/xx, and like Stilletto said, give it a good long warm up time and you should be fine. Most oil is too thick on startup to protect properly. If you are able to run a winter beater that is definitely your best option. Especially given the nasty salt and sand they use in NY.
What part of the state are you in?