You are vulnerable right now and any sales pitch might work.

Given your cold weather. I doubt it is the problem. The air box thermostat has its issues. More so when its warmer.

In your early decription you described a drive train issue.

My first thought was the overdrive. Have you checked for low fluid in the transmission. Either automatic or manual it can be a lead.

If you are losing power then it is a high speed miss. You say your over forty. Overdrive in or out it bucks. Your term "Grabbing" earlier? That didn't help me there.

You mentioned getting gas so maybe water/condensation, at the outside, it would come and go?

If its repetitive (a big factor in finding) suspect the ignition wires (on moist nights) or fuel injection clips that have some corrosion. Pushing them off and on a few time will help clean. Best to give them a good cleaning treatment every couple years in wet/salty climates.

It will be interesting to find out what caused your panic.

Good luck, Phil