It all depends on your decision making.
At most, you'll get a 5-10 hp boost. You won't be able to feel that from your butt. At all. You may *think* you feel it, but you can't.
I live in Chicago, where we suffer similar winters and rainstorms. I would NEVER put a CAI on my car around here. Hydrolocking your engine costs a fortune to repair, if you can. If you can't, you'll end up buying a new engine. Sound fun? How long would you keep the car if that happened (either scenario)?
Truth is, you'll get almost the same net gain (and sound) if you simply remove your intake resonator. Doing so will, at the very least, give you an idea of the sound your car will make with a CAI while giving you pretty much the same boost in power. Plus, you cannot possibly hydrolock the car this way. And it is free.
The problem is that the CAI has to be installed in such a way that the air intake is precariously close to the ground. A deep puddle or deep snow can easily get ****ed into the engine. Bad stuff.
If you lived in Arizona or LA, or anywhere mostly dry and level, I'd say go for it. New York or Chicago, I wouldn't. Too much risk for too little reward in my eyes.
I'm sure others will invariably tell you that hydrolocking is difficult. You be the judge. If you look at how low the intake will extend and take into consideration the type of terrain and weather you will be facing, you should be able to decide if the risk is worth it.
I spent a weekend in central NY last month. There were a lot of ups and downs on the roads there. During and after a rainstorm, I noticed lots of large puddles (particularly on the highway). I thought to myself as I slowed down to less than 15 miles per hour on the highway "That would have hydrolocked my buddy's Accord". He has a CAI.
It's up to you to assess your level of risk and what you are comfortable with. I like my car, especially because it always runs. 5-10 hp isn't worth the risk that I might ruin the engine due to some water or snow.
